By Faith Montalvo
TAMPA, Fla. — Charlie Kirk, founder of right-wing youth organization Turning Point USA (TPUSA), was killed Wednesday, Sept. 10, while speaking at Utah Valley University during his “American Comeback” tour.
Kirk, 31, was responding to questions from an audience member about mass shootings and gun control when a single shot was fired. Kirk was shot in the neck and transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His wife and two children were among the 3,000 people present at the event.
22-year-old Utah resident Tyler Robinson was arrested as the suspect. He is a registered voter with no party affiliation and is an inactive voter. Utah Governor Spencer Cox said in a press conference that investigators analyzed security footage, interviewed Robinson’s family, and reviewed online messages between Robinson and his roommate.
Cox said authorities found a Mauser 98 .30-06 caliber bolt-action rifle near the university campus in conditions that match Robinson’s messages, with casings that had engraved anti-fascist inscriptions.
Both Republicans and Democrats condemned the violence on social media. This included Cox, who said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that there is no place for political violence.
“Americans of every political persuasion must unite in condemning this act,” wrote Cox, “Our prayers are with Charlie, his family, and all those affected.”
President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he will posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Kirk was known for traveling to college and university campuses across the country, where he openly debated students about politics. He co-founded TPUSA in 2012 when he was 18, and the organization has over 800 campus chapters nationwide, including The University of Tampa. The organization aims to equip young conservatives to defend their values and prompt political dialogue, according to TPUSA’s website.
The TPUSA Chapter at UTampa has been directed not to provide comments or interviews.
The UTampa College Republicans shared a statement by the Florida Federation of College Republicans.
“The Florida Federation of College Republicans stands united in prayer for Charlie Kirk in the wake of the tragic events at Utah Valley University,” the statement said. “Charlie has been a steadfast leader, mentor, and voice for young conservatives nationwide, and his impact on our movement is immeasurable.”
Samuel Ponce, assistant director of Campus Safety at UTampa, said the department takes these events seriously.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Charlie Kirk, his family, and those impacted by the shooting at Utah Valley University,” said Ponce.
“The safety of our students, faculty, staff, and guests at UTampa remains our number one priority,” said Ponce. “Which fosters a campus environment that encourages and supports open discussions and perspectives that ensure mutual respect and support for our campus community.”
UTampa has had few incidents involving weapons on campus in 2024 and this year, according to Campus Safety’s Daily Report Log. Of the 1,100 incidents that occurred on campus, ranging from parking to student conduct violations, three were firearm-related. This year, there have been three out of the 700 incidents since January. University policy states that weapons and other dangerous objects are prohibited.
The UTampa Student Government released a statement on Instagram shortly after the assassination and shared the contact information for Wellness Services, Counseling Services, and Campus Safety.
“The University of Tampa Student Government recognizes that news of the tragic shootings that occurred across the country today may be deeply distressing and affect members of our community in different ways,” said the statement. “We acknowledge that events like these can be difficult and distressing. If you are in need of support, the University offers a variety of resources.”
Utah Valley University is closed until September 15, according to the university’s emergency information page.
If you or anyone you know is in need of support, these resources are available to students at UTampa.
- Wellness Services: (813) 257-1877
- Counseling Services: (813) 253-6250; counseling@ut.edu
- Campus Safety: (813) 257-7777; campussafety@ut.edu
In an emergency, always dial 911.
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Charlie Kirk speaking with attendees at the 2025 Student Action Summit at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Florida. Photo courtesy of Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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