Charlie Kirk, Turning Point USA co-founder and CEO, on Wednesday afternoon was shot at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, and is reportedly in critical condition.

The school first told Newsweek that, “This information is all preliminary but Charlie Kirk was invited to campus by a student group turning point USA he began his talking about 1 o’clock at about 120 there was a single shot fired from the top of a nearby building about 200 yards away to the best of our knowledge he has been hit and a suspect is in custody.”

A person was then seen getting detained after the shooting. According to Scott Trotter, university spokesman, police then said that the person taken into custody was not the shooter, The New York Times reports.

In an email to Newsweek on Wednesday, the city of Orem said in part: “There is still a suspect at large.”

Why It Matters

The attack targeted a high-profile conservative organizer speaking at a college campus, raising concerns of campus public-safety protocols, political violence and the security of public events.

What To Know

Kirk, 31, is a staunch ally of President Donald Trump and a notable younger voice and advocate of MAGA, with a large following on social media.

Trump reacted to the shooting on Truth Social Wednesday, saying, “We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!”

Kirk was shot near the neck while seated during a live question-and-answer session. Videos of the shooting’s aftermath have since circulated on social media. According to the Associated Press, citing sources, Kirk is in critical condition.

According to a post on X by the university, Kirk was “hit and taken from the location by his security.” In a follow-up post around 3:30 p.m. ET, the school said it is closed and people should “Leave campus immediately.”

The shooting has prompted a campus lockdown and investigation involving local and federal authorities and public statements from elected officials. Official details remain limited.

What People Are Saying

Vice President JD Vance, on X Wednesday: “Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father.”

FBI Director Kash Patel, on X Wednesday: “We are closely monitoring reports of the tragic shooting involving Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Our thoughts are with Charlie, his loved ones, and everyone affected. Agents will be on the scene quickly and the FBI stands in full support of the ongoing response and investigation.”

Democratic California Governor Gavin Newsom, on X Wednesday: “The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile, and reprehensible. In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form.”

This is a developing story that will be updated with additional information.