Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The incident took place while he was addressing a crowd at a Turning Point USA event. Kirk, aged 31, was a married father of two young children. He was transported to a hospital in critical condition and later pronounced dead. The suspect, Tyler Robinson, 22, from Utah, allegedly carried out the shooting. Robinson lived with his romantic partner, who is transitioning from male to female, in Saint George, Utah, approximately four hours from the university. Surveillance footage captured Robinson near the campus hours before the shooting, wearing casual clothing including shorts, a maroon t-shirt, and later a black t-shirt with an American flag. Following the shooting, a 33-hour manhunt was launched, utilizing stadium surveillance video and tips from family and friends. Robinson’s family recognized him from FBI-released footage and contacted authorities after he expressed suicidal intentions during a conversation with a family minister. They persuaded him to turn himself in, leading to his arrest. Robinson is currently detained in a special housing unit at the Utah County Sheriff’s Department under special watch status. This monitoring is due to the type of crime, his behavioral issues, violent behavior, and suicidal comments. He is being evaluated by mental, medical, and custody staff, a process that may take several days. Robinson is not cooperating with investigators and has not confessed. His family and romantic partner are assisting authorities, with the partner confirming no prior knowledge of the planned act. Charges against Robinson remain pending, but aggravated murder charges are anticipated. Utah Governor Spencer Cox has stated that the death penalty is being considered, with pressure from federal and state officials to pursue maximum penalties. Cox described the shooting as a political assassination and noted that Robinson became politically radicalized after dropping out of Utah State University. He was deeply involved in online communities, including Discord, where he made jokes about resembling the shooter and later admitted his involvement. A handwritten note from Robinson, written before the incident, is under investigation for verification and relevance. Turning Point USA organized a public memorial service for Kirk, titled ”Building a Legacy, Remembering Charlie Kirk,” to be held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The venue can accommodate up to 73,000 people, with doors opening early in the morning and the program commencing later that day. Attendance requires online registration on a first-come, first-served basis. Kirk’s wife, Erika, spoke publicly about the loss, committing to carry forward his work centered on faith, family, and the nation’s future. President Donald Trump is scheduled to attend the memorial. The investigation is ongoing, with officials examining Robinson’s online activity and background for additional motives and connections. Public figures from entertainment, sports, and politics have issued statements of condolence, emphasizing the importance of non-violent discourse. Incidents related to the event include employment actions against individuals who made celebratory remarks online, such as suspensions and terminations in healthcare, aviation, and other sectors. The sheriff’s department continues to monitor Robinson’s condition to ensure safety during custody.
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