Conservative social media personality and Trump ally Charlie Kirk was shot during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Wednesday.

According to a campus alert, a single gunshot was fired from a nearby building, striking the 31-year-old while he was addressing a large outdoor crowd.

Video from the scene shows Kirk reacting by clutching his neck before collapsing from his chair, as attendees fled in panic.

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What happened to Charlie Kirk?

University spokesperson Ellen Trean said the shooting occurred at about 12:20 p.m., roughly 200 yards from the speaker’s platform. She confirmed that Kirk was immediately escorted away by his security team after being hit. “To the best of our knowledge, the individual was hit and was taken away immediately by his security personnel,” Trean said.

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Who is the suspect?

Campus police later issued a statement on X, confirming that Kirk had been shot and that a suspect was in custody. The university cleared the courtyard and advised students to avoid the area while investigations continued.

Charlie Kirk’s condition after the shooting

Local media, including Deseret News, reported that Kirk sustained a wound near his neck. He was transported to a hospital, where he remains under medical care. His current condition as per BBC, remains critical.

Trump and other leaders react to the shooting

President Donald Trump called for prayers on his Truth Social platform, describing Kirk as “a great guy from top to bottom.” Vice President JD Vance also urged people to pray for Kirk, calling him “a genuinely good guy and a young father.”

Utah Senator Mike Lee expressed his shock, condemning what he described as a “senseless act of violence” and promising to monitor the situation closely. FBI Director Kash Patel stated that federal authorities were following developments and extended support to Kirk and his family.