Famous political activist and media personality Charles (Charlie) Kirk was assassinated on September 10, 2025 while hosting a campus event at Utah Valley University.
Charlie Kirk, 31, was well known on social media for hosting rallies in which he invited those who opposed his views to come forward. He challenges attendees to argue their viewpoints, normally stationed on college campuses. Most videos show him sitting under a tent with the words “prove me wrong” displayed upon it, and an open microphone stationed in front of it.
Such events have led Kirk to gain a large media presence on TikTok and other social media platforms, where his viral moments have gained mixed reactions from the youth of America. This is where many have gained their opinion of Kirk, with some viewing him as snarky or offensive and others finding humor and validation in his work.
While famous for his debating, Kirk was also the founder of Turning Point USA, a conservative organization that regularly holds rallies and events. He began this movement when he was 18, planning to “build a movement rooted in faith, freedom, and love of country” according to the website of Turning Point USA.
Utah Valley University was the first stop on “the American Comeback Tour”, in which Kirk had a goal to continue the mission of his company and “revitalize the spirit of conservative youth”.
20 minutes into the event, a young student approached the microphone. They began by stating that only 5 transgender Americans have been mass shooters, to take a spin on one of Kirk’s opinions. The attendee continued, asking if Kirk was aware of how many total mass shooters America has had within the last 10 years.
It was during his answer to this second question that Charlie Kirk was fatally shot in the neck.
In the search for the suspect, local officials first arrested George Zinn, an older man who falsely confessed to the shooting. After he was arrested, he experienced a medical problem in police custody. When being evaluated for this, he then confessed that he was covering for the actual suspect to get away.
Officials later located Tyler Robinson, 22, who has been linked to the crime. After finding evidence through text messages, written notes, and matching fingerprints, he was charged on September 16 with the murder of Charlie Kirk. He collected 7 charges in total, including aggravated murder, committing a violent offense in the presence of a child, felony discharge of a firearm, two counts of obstruction of justice, and two counts of witness tampering.
According to CBS News, the state of Utah is currently seeking the death penalty for Robinson.
Kara Hopkins
News Editor
