Editor’s Note: This is an ongoing breaking news story. Updates will be provided as they become available.

Charlie Kirk’s spokesperson Andrew Kolvet has confirmed that Kirk is dead after being shot in the neck at a Utah Valley University speaking event for Turning Point USA. The attack came just a week before Kirk was scheduled to visit Colorado State University.

UVU campus police released the following statement after the attack:

“Today at about 12:10 (p.m.) a shot was fired at the visiting speaker, Charlie Kirk,” the statement reads. “He was hit and taken from the location by his security. Campus police is investigating, a suspect is in custody.”

The person suspected of shooting Kirk has been identified as Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old male from Utah. Spencer Cox, Utah’s governor, said on Friday that the suspect was arrested following a tip submitted by one of Robinson’s relatives. The motives of the alleged shooter are still unclear. 

Speculation about Robinson’s political affiliation have circulated online, but no rumors have been confirmed as the shooting remains under investigation. Robinson is not registered to vote with any political party. 

CSU’s Chapter of TPUSA, which initially planned to host Kirk, reposted the following statement from TPUSA proper on their Instagram:

“It is with a heavy heart that we confirm that Charles James Kirk has been murdered by a gunshot that took place during Turning Point USA’s ‘The American Comeback Tour’ campus event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025,” the statement reads. “May be be received into the merciful arms of our loving Savior, who suffered and died for Charlie. We ask that everyone keep his family and loved ones in your prayers. We ask that you please respect their privacy and dignity at this time.”

Kirk was scheduled to come to Colorado Springs on Friday to take part in a conference with conservative organization Truth & Liberty, which instead held a vigil entitled “The Turning Point.” 

News of the attack immediately caused chaos in Washington when democrats objected to Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert demanding a spoken prayer amid a voting session. Democrats pointed out that Boebert had not treated an Evergeen High School shooting with the same respect despite the attack occurring in her state the same day.

State Representative for Colorado House District 53 Andy Boesenecker condemned both attacks, stating that he is always against violence.

“Gun violence and political violence are eroding the safety and trust that hold our communities together,” Boesenecker said in a statement posted on Instagram. “These acts not only inflict immeasurable pain, they also tear the very fabric of our democracy. They have no place in our society.”

CSU students assembled on Friday to debate about Kirk’s death after two men appeared on the Lori Student Center plaza holding signs that read “Charlie Kirk died a hero prove me wrong” and “The left is A CULT prove me wrong.” 

The debates warranted supervision by campus security but were largely peaceful. 

The future of the The American Comeback tour is still unknown. Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, indicated on Friday that she intends to carry on the movement.

“They have no idea what they just ignited within this wife,” she wrote in an Instagram caption. “If they thought my husband’s mission was big now…you have no idea. You. All of you. Will never. Ever. Forget my husband @charliekirk1776 I’ll make sure of it.” 

Other campus events related to Kirk’s CSU appearance have been cancelled, including an appearance by popular liberal commentator Dean Withers. 

Reach Chloe Waskey at news@collegian.com or on social media @RMCollegian.