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Charlie Kirk, CEO of Turning Point USA, was shot during a debate at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, the group confirmed. His condition remains unknown.
Charles James Kirk shot at Utah Valley University (Photo: AP)
New Delhi,UPDATED: Sep 11, 2025 01:12 IST
Charlie Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of conservative youth group Turning Point USA, was shot Wednesday during a debate event at Utah Valley University, the organisation confirmed.
“We are confirming that he was shot, and we are praying for Charlie,” Aubrey Laitsch, public relations manager for Turning Point USA, said in a statement.
Kirk, 30, was speaking at a debate hosted by Turning Point when the incident occurred. Details about his condition and the circumstances of the shooting were not immediately available.
His appearance had drawn opposition on campus. An online petition urging university administrators to block him from speaking collected nearly 1,000 signatures. But last week, Utah Valley University said it would not cancel the event, citing First Amendment protections and its “commitment to free speech” and “constructive dialogue.”
Kirk founded Turning Point in suburban Chicago in 2012 at age 18, alongside tea party activist William Montgomery, to promote low taxes and limited government on college campuses. While the group struggled early, Kirk’s confrontational style attracted conservative donors and eventually positioned him as a leading right-wing voice, reports the Associated Press.
Turning Point became a staunch backer of Donald Trump in 2016. Kirk also worked closely with Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., during the presidential campaign, and later became a fixture in conservative media.
Trump and his son frequently praised Kirk and headlined Turning Point conferences, where Kirk sharpened his focus on cultural battles in higher education.
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Inputs from Associated Press
Published By:
Rivanshi Rakhrai
Published On:
Sep 11, 2025
