JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
Charlie Kirk, a well renowned right wing activist and founder of the Turning Point USA organization, was fatally shot and killed at 31 whilst hosting a political presentation at Utah Valley University (UVU) in Orem, Utah.
On Wednesday, September 10, Kirk hosted a public debate about various political topics and beliefs on the grounds of the UVU campus. The event was the first of the “American Comeback” tour, a nationwide tour that was to span across various universities in the U.S. During the event, Kirk and a member of the audience began debating about mass shootings within the nation when the sound of gun fire was heard from afar, and Kirk was then suddenly struck in the neck from an incoming bullet. The sudden attack caused widespread panic across the campus, and bodyguards quickly rushed an injured Kirk to Timpanogos Regional Hospital Orem. Later that day, President Donald Trump took to social media to announce Kirk’s passing.
Celebrities and political figures from both sides expressed thoughts and prayers towards Kirk’s family, with Trump sharing his sympathies while also noting how Kirk was admired even by himself for his work and dedication to the nation’s youth. Others such as Jimmy Kimmel, Savannah Chrisley, Vice President JD Vance, and Utah State Governor Spencer Cox also expressed their sympathies towards his family and loved ones. Governor Cox also spoke out about the dangers of political violence, stating how the nation needs to look towards having an “off-ramp” regarding politically charged violence within the nation.
The person responsible for Kirk’s assassination was taken into custody and was identified as 22 year old Tyler Robinson, whose father secured him alongside a youth pastor before Robinson was taken in. It was revealed that Robinson is a former student of UVU, who was described as quiet in character by relatives, neighbors, and close friends until in recent years becoming more political. Various security footage and videos uploaded online during the event revealed Robinson walking through the campus grounds and later on climbing down from the top of the Losee Center at UVU moments after the shooting occurred.
Currently, authorities stated that Robinson has been uncooperative and a clear motivation behind Kirk’s assassination is yet to be revealed to the general public. An official sentencing for the assassination of Charlie Kirk is yet to be made, as Robinson still awaits trial for his crimes while in custody at a special housing unit at Utah County Jail.