Raydon DeChene was among the more than 3,000 people, mostly students, who attended conservative political activist Charlie Kirk's event at Utah Valley University (UVU) on 10/9. It was an outdoor discussion titled "Prove Me Wrong," where Kirk invited students to challenge his views on politics and American society.

DeChene said that before the debate began, the crowd was "very cheerful," enjoying the lively atmosphere and chanting Kirk's name. Kirk was a close ally of President Donald Trump and a significant influence in the 2024 election.

Kirk addressed student questions regarding mass shootings in the US, particularly the August shooting in Minneapolis where the suspect was reportedly transgender. The first question posed was, "Do you know how many mass shootings in the past 10 years have been carried out by transgender individuals?"

Kirk responded, "There have been too many," which drew applause. The student then asked about the total number of mass shootings during the same period, and just as Kirk raised the microphone to speak, a shot rang out.

Charlie Kirk (center) speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on 10/9 before his assassination. Photo: AP

Charlie Kirk (center) speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on 10/9 before his assassination. Photo: AP

"I was in the front row and heard a 'boom' from behind, from the direction of the hill. He clutched his neck, blood everywhere, his eyes rolled back," DeChene recounted. "It's ironic that he was talking about gun control when he was shot."

She said everyone immediately dropped to the ground and ran when someone yelled, "Run!"

"There was so much blood. After the gunshot, everyone immediately hit the ground. My colleague, Eva Terry, and I hugged each other, trying to hide. Just a minute later, the crowd started running. The entire university was evacuated," recalled Emma Pitts, a Deseret News reporter at the scene.

The moment Charlie Kirk was shot. Video: X/IAmyLeigh

Utah Valley University student Jordan Last said he arrived at noon to prepare to debate Kirk if chosen. "I was standing about 15-30 meters away, on the right side of the stage. The first question had just finished, they were starting the second one when I heard a loud sound," he described the moment his idol was shot.

UVU baseball player Max Stanley said he was further away but also clearly heard the gunshot. Immediately afterward, Stanley saw "Kirk's body fall like in slow motion." Kirk later died from his injuries.

Many witnesses reported lax security at the event, with few police officers and no metal detectors. One person standing just a few meters from Kirk told ABC4, "No one checked tickets; anyone could walk in. The location had too many entrances and exits, easy to access."

The crowd panics and flees after hearing gunshots. Photo: AP

The crowd panics and flees after hearing gunshots. Photo: AP

UVU Police Chief Jeffrey Long said only six uniformed officers were on duty, along with some plainclothes officers hidden in the crowd. "We trained for this situation, thought we were well-prepared, but unfortunately, this still happened. We always try to anticipate every scenario, but today we failed," Long said.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox announced a "person of interest" had been detained, but police later said this individual was released after questioning and the actual suspect remains at large. Authorities are appealing for information from the public.

The shooting shocked not only students but also faculty. A UVU mathematics professor shared, "I used to watch Charlie Kirk on YouTube; he had many controversial views, but that doesn't justify gun violence. I saw students crying and running from campus. It was a traumatic experience for everyone."

Utah State Police investigate the UVU campus after the assassination. Photo: AP

Utah State Police investigate the UVU campus after the assassination. Photo: AP

Kirk, 31, co-founded the pro-Trump youth conservative organization Turning Point USA (TPUSA). He established TPUSA at 18, turning it into the nation's largest student political movement, organizing conferences, media campaigns, and mobilizing young voters.

Kirk also hosted a political podcast, frequently criticizing the Democratic Party and progressive liberal movements. He was known for his public debates, attracting large crowds of conservative students and those who disagreed with his views.

The incident shook American politics, with both parties condemning the political violence. Republican Senator Mike Lee called it a heinous act of political terrorism, while Democratic politicians also offered condolences and called for an end to hateful rhetoric in the nation's political discourse.

"No one understood the heart of young Americans better than Charlie. He was loved by all, especially me, and now he is gone," President Trump wrote on Truth Social, later ordering flags to be flown at half-staff nationwide until 14/9 in remembrance.

Thanh Danh (CBS, Guardian, News Nation, WJAR)