The "Return of America" tour began on 10/9 at Utah Valley University (UVU), Utah's largest public university. This was the first stop on a 10-university tour for Charlie Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), a student organization promoting conservative ideology on liberal-leaning campuses.
At these events, Kirk would engage in debates and discussions, challenging those who opposed his views as a prominent conservative activist.
On the morning of 10/9, Kirk arrived at UVU's courtyard to prepare. A tent bearing his "Prove me wrong" slogan stood at the back of the outdoor auditorium, surrounded by private security and two barriers separating him from the audience.
Prior to the event, a student petition with almost 1,000 signatures had called for UVU to cancel Kirk's appearance. However, the university issued a statement the previous week reaffirming its commitment to free speech and neutrality.
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Charlie Kirk speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah on 10/9. Photo: AP |
Charlie Kirk speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah on 10/9. Photo: AP
Under a clear blue sky, approximately 3,000 people, mostly students, eagerly awaited the event. Former Utah congressman Jason Chaffetz said he and his family came to see Kirk debate. "It was packed. Then he came out, throwing hats and working the crowd," he said.
Wearing a white t-shirt with "Freedom" printed in black, Kirk reveled in the cheers and jeers. He tossed red and white "Make America Great Again" hats, emblazoned with the number "47" (symbolizing a potential second Trump presidency), into the audience.
Former representative Phil Lyman recalled pointing out a disabled person who wanted a hat. "He saw him and gave him the hat. It was a kind gesture. I was sitting there watching, thinking, 'he’s taller than I thought, and he’s happily throwing hats, and the crowd seems to be going crazy’," Lyman said.
Kirk then sat down in the tent with a microphone, water bottles, and two Starbucks cups on the table before him.
"We’re going to be here for a couple hours. Get comfortable. Play the best Utah songs," he said to the cheering crowd.
Deseret News reporter Eva Terry described the atmosphere as "really fun and exciting". Students seemed thrilled to be "surrounded by conservatives".
During the event, Kirk addressed various topics. Chaffetz said the first question Kirk answered was related to religion. About 20 minutes into the event, it was 29-year-old Hunter Kozak, also known online as Hunter Stax, who posed a question.
"Do you know how many transgender Americans have committed mass shootings in the past 10 years?" Kozak asked. As Kirk responded, "Way too many," Kozak stated the number was five and continued, "Do you know how many mass shootings there have been in America in the past 10 years?"
Kirk leaned forward, grasped the microphone, and then sat up straight. "Are we counting gang violence?" he asked.
The moment Charlie Kirk was shot. Video: X/IAmyLeigh
At that moment, a sudden bang echoed from the roof opposite the stage, causing Kirk to jolt. He stumbled backward, seemingly struggling to speak. Screams erupted from the crowd, and the event descended into chaos.
Raydon Dechen, an attendee, saw blood coming from Kirk's neck and realized it was a gunshot. "I turned around to look up the hill behind us because it felt like it came from there. And then I saw people getting down so I got down. Then I heard someone say ‘run’ and I started running," she recounted.
"As soon as the shot went off, people hit the ground before scattering, yelling, and screaming. I was looking at Kirk and then looking back to make sure my daughter and son-in-law were OK," Chaffetz said.
Jeremy King, 45, initially thought the bang was part of the show before realizing the gravity of the situation. "People around me were hitting the ground. I immediately got next to my wife. You just don’t know at that point if it’s just one shot or if there is going to be a shooting," he said.
As the crowd fled towards the nearest exit, they saw security personnel carrying Kirk to an SUV, which transported him to Timpanogos Regional Hospital. A search for the suspect immediately commenced.
Shortly after, President Donald Trump announced Kirk's death. "The great, even legendary, Charlie Kirk has passed away," he wrote.
Thanh Tam (CNN, Fox News)
