What began as a lively campus event in Utah ended in tragedy when conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot while speaking to students.
The attack happened Wednesday afternoon at Utah Valley University, leaving both supporters and critics stunned.
Kirk, well-known as the head of Turning Point USA, had been answering questions from students when a gunman opened fire.
Panic in the Auditorium
Eyewitnesses say Kirk had just taken a question about mass shootings when the single shot rang out.
Former Congressman Jason Chaffetz, who was in the room with his family, described the terrifying moment on Fox News.
He recalled watching Kirk suddenly fall backward after the gunfire.
Video footage from the event, now circulating online, shows students screaming in panic as the scene descended into chaos.
Leaders React with Prayer and Outrage
News of the shooting quickly spread across political circles.
Former President Donald Trump took to Truth Social, urging Americans to pray for Kirk, calling him “a great guy from top to bottom.”
Vice President JD Vance echoed the call for prayer, while Attorney General Pam Bondi posted on X that federal agents from the FBI and ATF were already on-site.
Even leaders across the aisle condemned the attack.
California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, called the shooting “disgusting, vile, and reprehensible,” stressing that the country must reject violence in all its forms.
An Emotional Ripple Across Politics
Members of Congress from both parties shared their shock and sympathy.
Republican lawmakers like Marjorie Taylor Greene and Cory Mills praised Kirk’s work encouraging young conservatives, while urging Americans to end political violence.
Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna called the shooting heartbreaking, adding that the nation must do better in addressing hate and anger.
But the reactions weren’t all unified. GOP Rep. Anna Paulina Luna lashed out in fury, blaming what she called “corrupt media rhetoric” and cultural battles for fueling hatred.
Her post online, written in all caps, reflected the anger many conservatives felt in the aftermath.
Hasan Piker and Online Fallout
Kirk had been scheduled to debate progressive commentator Hasan Piker later this month.
Piker, speaking live on Twitch after hearing the news, said he was horrified and urged his followers not to joke about the shooting.
He admitted he was worried he too could be targeted by extremists in the heated political climate.
Kirk’s Condition and the Arrest
A source told the Daily Mail that doctors were still working to save Kirk after he was rushed from the scene with a gunshot wound to the neck.
Authorities confirmed that one man was taken into custody, but details about the shooter and his motive have not yet been released.
A Nation Watches Closely
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed his bureau was monitoring the situation and pledged full support for the investigation.
Across the political spectrum, from Trump to Newsom, one message echoed loudly — America cannot afford to normalize violence in politics.
Just before the shooting, Kirk had posted a message of excitement about returning to the stage as part of his “American Comeback Tour.”
The words, now chilling in hindsight, read: “WE. ARE. SO. BACK. Utah Valley University is FIRED UP and READY for the first stop back.”