{"id":37607,"date":"2025-09-11T11:42:58","date_gmt":"2025-09-11T11:42:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/?p=37607"},"modified":"2025-09-11T11:42:58","modified_gmt":"2025-09-11T11:42:58","slug":"charlie-kirk-dies-in-shooting-at-31-heres-what-we-know-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/?p=37607","title":{"rendered":"Charlie Kirk Dies in Shooting at 31 \u2013 Here’s What We Know"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Charlie Kirk | Source: Getty Images<\/div>\n

Charlie Kirk Dies in Shooting at 31 \u2013 Here’s What We Know<\/h1>\n
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A probe into the political activist’s tragic death is underway, and one law enforcement expert says the attacker’s precision may hinder investigators.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA (TPUSA)<\/strong>, was fatally shot during a speaking event at Utah Valley University (UVU) on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, prompting an investigation, eyewitness reports, and reactions from political leaders.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Charlie Kirk speaks at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah on September 10, 2025 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The violence erupted during Kirk’s midday appearance<\/a>, organized by the university’s student chapter of TPUSA. Witnesses said they heard a single gunshot from a nearby building before security rushed him away and campus police cleared the courtyard. Kirk was the only person reported injured<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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A man with a skateboard evacuates as law enforcement responds to the scene of the shooting at Utah Valley University, on September 10, 2025 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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A UVU spokesperson later recounted the details<\/a>, “We had a speaker, Charlie Kirk, who was invited by a student group, Turning Point USA, who was speaking on campus today at noon.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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A large crowd gathers to watch Charlie Kirk speak at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The university representative continued<\/a>, “At about 12:20, shots were fired from a building about 200 yards from the speaker. To the best of our knowledge, the individual was hit and was taken away immediately by his security personnel. The campus is closed for the rest of the day and our campus police has a suspect in custody.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Law enforcement officers and tactical vehicles respond to the scene of the shooting at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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While the university sought to reassure the community, TPUSA confirmed Kirk’s condition. “<\/strong>This is an ongoing situation,\u201d said<\/a> spokesperson Aubrey Laitsch.<\/strong> “We can confirm that Charlie Kirk has been shot. He is in the hospital, and we are praying for him at this time.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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People gather outside Timpanogos Regional Hospital in Lehi, Utah, after Charlie Kirk was shot during his event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Attention soon turned to the investigation. Shortly after Kirk’s tragic death, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel<\/strong> said on X that the person initially detained in connection with the shooting had been questioned and released<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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He also emphasized that the inquiry remains active and promised to provide continued updates in the interest of transparency.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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With no suspect in custody, a wider manhunt began \u2014 but an expert warned it would be difficult<\/strong>. CNN’s Chief Law Enforcement and Intelligence Analyst John Miller said the attacker likely planned to move silently<\/a>, remain unseen, fire a single shot, complete the mission, take the weapon, and leave little evidence behind.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The TV network’s analyst also noted that the precision of the single shot suggested the attacker had prior firearms experience.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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“This is someone who knew exactly what they were doing and is probably known to others, and this may be working to the advantage of law enforcement. As someone who has a long history in shooting, this wasn’t an amateur,” he explained<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Officers walk past an armored vehicle as law enforcement responds to the shooting at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Eyewitness accounts underscored the sense of shock. Jeremy King, 45<\/strong>, who stood about 15 feet from Kirk, said<\/a> he was initially confused at the time, believing the gunshot might have been “part of an act or performance” tied to the discussion about gun rights and the LGBTQ+ community.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The stage area of Charlie Kirk’s “American Comeback Tour” at Utah Valley University is left deserted after the shooting, on September 10, 2025 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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King’s confusion turned to panic as Kirk collapsed. “Everyone around me dropped to the ground. I immediately stood over my wife. You don’t know if this is a single shot or if it’s going to turn into a mass shooting. And so you’re scanning,” he recalled<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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He later saw Kirk’s bodyguards react swiftly, adding<\/a>, “At that moment, I did grab my phone and start recording as they moved him to the SUV and loaded him up.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"People<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

People scramble for safety after shots were fired during Charlie Kirk’s appearance at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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As the reality of Kirk’s death set in, tributes poured in from across the political spectrum. In an address, U.S. President Donald Trump<\/strong> condemned the shooting as a national tragedy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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“I am filled with grief and anger at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk on a college campus in Utah. Charlie inspired millions, and tonight all who knew him and loved him are united in shock and horror,” he said<\/a>. He also described Kirk as a “martyr”<\/strong> and called the incident a “dark moment”<\/strong> in American history.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Meanwhile, the country’s Vice President JD Vance<\/strong> mourned Kirk’s death<\/a> and echoed Trump’s message by reposting it on X, amplifying the president’s praise of Kirk as a “legendary” figure who deeply influenced young Americans.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Trump’s post also included condolences to Kirk’s wife, Erika, and their family. Vance followed with a brief prayer for Kirk’s peaceful eternal rest.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Earlier in the day, Trump had issued a formal proclamation<\/strong> ordering that all U.S. flags be flown at half-staff through September 14<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong> The order applies to the White House, federal buildings, military installations, and U.S. embassies worldwide.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The U.S. flag flies at half-staff atop the White House on September 10, 2025, honoring the death of Charlie Kirk | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Kirk’s death came just two weeks after the Minneapolis church shooting<\/strong>. What began as a peaceful student Mass on August 27 ended in terror when a lone gunman opened fire<\/strong> through the church windows, leaving the community shaken and grieving.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Police secure the scene outside Annunciation Catholic Church after a gunman opened fire during a school Mass, killing two children and injuring others, on August 27, 2025 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Authorities identified the shooter, who left a trail of disturbing online content and a handwritten manifesto that revealed years of inner turmoil.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Families walk with children away from Annunciation Church after the shooting during a school Mass in Minneapolis on August 27, 2025 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The congregation had gathered at Annunciation Church <\/strong>when gunfire erupted \u2014 tearing through stained glass windows and shattering the sanctuary’s peace. According to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, <\/strong>the attacker<\/a> “began firing a rifle through church windows.” <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Law enforcement officers secure the area outside Annunciation Church in Minneapolis on August 27, 2025 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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O’Hara added<\/a>, “The shooter fired towards the children sitting in the pews at the Mass.” <\/strong>He stated that a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol<\/strong> were all fired during the assault.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara speaks during a press conference as Mayor Jacob Frey listens following the Annunciation Church shooting on August 27, 2025 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The City of Minneapolis <\/strong>issued a public alert<\/strong><\/a> and urged residents to avoid the area. First responders arrived swiftly, but the toll was already devastating: two children, <\/strong>ages 8 and 10<\/strong><\/a>, had been killed<\/strong>. Meanwhile, 17 others were wounded<\/a>, 14 of them children<\/strong>. Two remained in critical condition<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Authorities named the shooter as Robin Westman<\/strong>, a local resident in her early 20s. O’Hara said Westman was believed to be dead<\/strong><\/a>. According to KSTP, Westman <\/strong>legally changed her name<\/strong><\/a> from Robert in 2020<\/strong> and reportedly identified as a woman<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Westman had no extensive criminal history<\/strong>, but a now-deleted YouTube channel<\/strong> showed videos with firearms<\/strong>, anti-religious symbols<\/strong>, white supremacist imagery<\/strong>, and racial slurs<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Robin Westman, identified by police as the suspect in the Minneapolis church shooting | Source: Facebook\/DavidJHarrisJr<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Also recovered was a handwritten<\/strong>, four-page manifesto<\/strong><\/a>, which<\/strong> documented years of mental deterioration<\/strong>, hopelessness, and emotional isolation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Westman opened with an admission that forgiveness was unlikely and any apology would ring hollow<\/strong>. Even so, she directed a remorseful note to her family and those closest to her, acknowledging the damage her actions would inflict on their lives.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The opening page of the manifesto addressed to family and friends, in which Robin Westman expressed regret and inner turmoil | Source: Facebook\/ChristinaAguayoNews<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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A manifesto page where Robin Westman wrote about illness, depression, and intent to carry out a final act | Source: Facebook\/ChristinaAguayoNews<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Westman further wrote<\/a>, “I have wanted this for so long. I am not well. I am not right. I am a sad person, haunted by these thoughts that do not go away. I know this is wrong, but I can’t seem to stop myself.”<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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A page from the manifesto signed by Robin Westman, expressing apologies to family and asking for prayers for the victims | Source: Facebook\/ChristinaAguayoNews<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Among the terrified children inside was fifth-grader Weston Halse<\/strong>, who later recounted the chaos<\/strong>. According to KSTP<\/strong>, he quickly hid under a pew<\/strong><\/a> as the gunfire erupted <\/strong>and then noticed specks of gunpowder<\/strong> dusting his neck.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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“My friend Victor, like, saved me though ’cause he laid on top of me, but he got hit,” he shared<\/a> in a separate CBS interview.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Halse and other students were ushered into the gym, where the doors were locked to keep the shooter out. He was later reunited with his mother.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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He explained<\/a> how he felt when he saw his mom, “I was super happy because I was scared that I wasn’t gonna see her ’cause I didn’t know what was happening, really. I was just in shock. It was like right beside me. I was like two seats away from the stained glass windows. So they were like, the shots were like right next to me.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Regarding his friend’s condition, Halse admitted<\/a> he was “super scared for him,” but felt relieved when he learned his friend had been taken to the hospital and believed he was okay.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Parents and students gather outside Annunciation Church in Minneapolis after the shooting on August 27, 2025 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Carla Maldonado<\/strong>, a parent whose two children survived, described the panic she and her husband, Pedro, felt when they arrived at the church. Her husband shouted for their children in fear<\/strong> before they found their 7-year-old daughter in the parking lot<\/strong>. Their 11-year-old son had been hiding in the basement<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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A woman embraces a child outside Annunciation Church after the shooting in Minneapolis on August 27, 2025 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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“I have such mixed feelings right now, so many of them,”<\/strong> Maldonado shared<\/a>. “But I am just incredibly grateful that this school did and had been preparing and also just incredibly sad and angry that this has to be a thing in any school.”<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Families<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Families comfort one another near Annunciation Church following the deadly shooting in Minneapolis on August 27, 2025 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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She said<\/a> school shootings had become so common, they felt “like a broken record.”<\/strong> Maldonado added that many parents shared the same fear and frustration, and emphasized that even one life lost was too many.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Parents lead their children out of Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis after the church shooting on August 27, 2025 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Trump<\/strong> addressed<\/a> the tragedy on Truth Social, “I have been fully briefed on the tragic shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The FBI quickly responded and they are on the scene. The White House will continue to monitor this terrible situation. Please join me in praying for everyone involved!”<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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U.S. President Donald Trump in the White House Rose Garden | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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He ordered all U.S. flags to be <\/strong>flown at half-staff<\/strong><\/a> until sunset on August 31<\/strong> in memory of the victims, including at the White House, federal buildings, military posts, and naval installations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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news.AmoMama.com does not support or promote any kind of violence, self-harm, or abusive behavior. We raise awareness about these issues to help potential victims seek professional counseling and prevent anyone from getting hurt. news.AmoMama.com speaks out against the above mentioned and news.AmoMama.com advocates for a healthy discussion about the instances of violence, abuse, sexual misconduct, animal cruelty, abuse etc. that benefits the victims. We also encourage everyone to report any crime incident they witness as soon as possible.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. Other international suicide helplines can be found at befrienders.org.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Charlie Kirk | Source: Getty Images Charlie Kirk Dies in Shooting at 31 \u2013 Here’s What We Know A probe into the political activist’s tragic death is underway, and one … <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":37608,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-37607","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37607","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=37607"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37607\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":37609,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37607\/revisions\/37609"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/37608"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=37607"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=37607"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=37607"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}