What began as a highly anticipated campus event turned into tragedy on Wednesday when conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot during a public appearance at Utah Valley University.
The incident shocked the university community, political observers, and social media alike, raising urgent questions about political tensions and safety at public events.
Controversial Article Sparks Headlines
Just days before the shooting, the website Jezebel published a provocative piece titled “We Paid Some Etsy Witches to Curse Charlie Kirk.”
The article, released on September 8, detailed the author’s experiments with spells purchased online, ranging from minor inconveniences to personal misfortunes.
In the piece, the author joked about the convenience of buying a curse as easily as buying a phone charger and explored Etsy’s range of witchcraft services.
Examples included spells to stop rain on a wedding day or even to inflict rashes or premature balding.
Kirk, known for his conservative politics and far-right commentary, was singled out as a “downsides of the Internet” figure.
Jezebel Issues Statement
Following news of Kirk’s death, Jezebel released a statement clarifying the timing of their post.
“This story was published on September 8,” the site said, emphasizing that they condemned the shooting in the “strongest possible terms” and that they do not endorse political violence.
The statement came amid intense scrutiny, as the article had been written in a first-person narrative exploring the intersection of witchcraft and political activism, particularly aimed at Republicans.
The piece mentioned a subreddit where users cast nightly hexes on former President Trump, highlighting the growing blend of politics and online culture.
The Shooting Unfolds
Videos shared on social media captured the moment Kirk was shot during his speech under a white tent on the Utah Valley University campus.
He was addressing questions on mass shootings and gun violence when a single shot rang out.
Kirk is seen reaching up to his neck as blood spills, with horrified attendees gasping and fleeing.
Authorities confirmed the footage was taken in the Sorensen Center courtyard.
The shooter, dressed in dark clothing, fired from a rooftop some distance from the event.
Approximately 3,000 people were present, including Kirk’s security detail and six campus police officers.
Investigation and Law Enforcement Response
Utah authorities reported that no suspect was in custody late Wednesday, although a new person of interest was being sought.
Two individuals previously detained were released after authorities determined they had no connection to the shooting.
The motive remains unclear, though the event underscores growing concerns about political violence in the U.S.
Campus security measures were heightened immediately.
The university was evacuated, classes were canceled, and officers canvassed nearby neighborhoods, seeking information and showing photos of potential suspects.
Political Reactions and National Attention
News of Kirk’s death quickly drew national attention. Former President Donald Trump, a close ally of Kirk, described him as “great, and even legendary” in a social media post.
Later, Trump released a video from the White House calling Kirk a “martyr for truth and freedom,” attributing blame to the “radical left.”
The incident has sparked a renewed debate over political rhetoric, public safety, and the escalation of partisan tensions.
At the same time, universities and public venues are confronting difficult questions about hosting polarizing figures while balancing free speech and student safety.
A Campus in Shock
The event, the first stop on Kirk’s American Comeback Tour, had been controversial even before the shooting.
An online petition to block his appearance gained nearly 1,000 signatures.
Utah Valley University defended the appearance, citing First Amendment protections and commitment to free expression.
Kirk had also shared images of news coverage about the backlash on X (formerly Twitter), asking, “What’s going on in Utah?” The tragic events that followed provide a grim answer, leaving a campus and nation grappling with the consequences of political polarization and violence.