Charlie Kirk speaks before he is shot during Turning Point's visit to Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. (Tess Crowley/The Deseret News via AP)

Conservative speaker Charlie Kirk was shot at an event at UVU in Orem on Wednesday afternoon, according to multiple reports and video from the scene.

Reports indicate Kirk may have been shot in the neck, although no official word on his status has been released. His organization, Turning Point USA (or TPUSA) confirmed to the Associated Press that Kirk had been shot.

Thousands of students were in attendance at the event could be seen fleeing the scene on video posted moments after the shooting.

UVU sent an alert to students, saying “A single shot was fired on campus toward a visiting speaker. Police are investigating now, suspect in custody.”

The university, however, then sent the following press release at 1:11 p.m.: “On September 10, 2025, at 12:20 a single shot rang out in the quad near the food court on the Utah Valley University Orem Campus as Mr. Charlie Kirk began speaking at his planned rally. We can confirm that Mr. Kirk was shot, but we don’t know his condition. The suspect is not in custody. Police are still investigating. Campus is closed for the rest of the day.”

A UVU alert said that all classes are canceled until further notice, and asked people to leave campus immediately.

Utah Sen. Mike Lee said via X, “I am tracking the situation at Utah Valley University closely. Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk and the students gathered there.”

“I am being briefed by law enforcement following the violence directed at Charlie Kirk during his visit to Utah Valley University today,” Gov. Spencer Cox said. “We will continue to share updates. Those responsible will be held fully accountable. Violence has no place in our public life. Americans of every political persuasion must unite in condemning this act. Our prayers are with Charlie, his family, and all those affected.”

“The shooting of Charlie Kirk has shocked and sickened me and my family,” former Utah Sen. Mitt Romney said. “We extend our prayers and profound sorrow to Charlie and his family, many friends and followers. Another senseless act of violence appalls us.

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

According to his Turning Point USA bio, Kirk ” is the Founder and President of Turning Point USA, a national student movement dedicated to identifying, organizing, and empowering young people to promote the principles of free markets and limited government.”

The Daily Herald has reporters covering the story and will provide updates as more information becomes available.