Charlie Kirk fatally shot in Utah: Arizona figures react

The founder of Arizona-based Turning Point USA was shot in the neck at an event at Utah Valley University. He was 31.

September 10, 2025

Charlie Kirk was reportedly shot at an event in Utah. Gage Skidmore/Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0

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Conservative activist and Arizona resident Charlie Kirk was shot during a visit to a Utah college campus and died Wednesday afternoon.

Kirk was holding an event at Utah Valley University. Video shared on social media showed him sitting at a table under a covering on a lawn, surrounded by hundreds of attendees. During a back-and-forth with the audience, Kirk suddenly jerked back, blood spilling from his neck. The crowd scattered in a panicked scramble.

Initial reports of a suspect in custody proved to be incorrect. As of mid-afternoon on Wednesday, the shooter was still at large.

The 31-year-old Kirk rose to be a power player in conservative politics largely via campus speaking and debate tours. Through twin Arizona-based organizations, Turning Point USA and Turning Point Action, he grew to wield broad influence over the Republican Party and young conservatives in particular. He had a close association with President Donald Trump and has advocated for far-right positions on abortion, transgender rights and immigration.

Here is what major political figures, in Arizona and beyond, are saying.

How Arizona and America reacted to Kirk's death

Gov. Katie Hobbs

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Sen. Ruben Gallego

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Sen. Mark Kelly

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Rep. Andy Biggs

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Warren Peterson, Arizona Senate President

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Rachel Mitchell, Maricopa County Attorney

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Gina Swobda, Republican Party of Arizona chair

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Stephen Richer, former recorder of Maricopa County

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Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego

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Rep. David Schweikert

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Karrin Taylor Robinson, Republican gubernatorial hopeful

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Vice President J.D. Vance

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Reactions to the initial news of Kirk's shooting

Kari Lake

Charlie Kirk is a husband, father, son and friend. He is an incredible man who loves America. He has been shot in what appears to be an assassination attempt in Utah.

I am holding Charlie, his wonderful wife Erika and their children is deep prayer.

Almighty Father, Please…
— Kari Lake (@KariLake) September 10, 2025

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs

I am horrified by the violent attack on Charlie Kirk. In a democracy, we solve our disagreements at the ballot box. Political violence is never acceptable.
— Katie Hobbs (@katiehobbs) September 10, 2025

Sen. Mark Kelly

The news that Charlie Kirk was shot while speaking in Utah is shocking and horrible. It’s an example of political violence that has no place in our country. Gabby and I are thinking of him and his family. https://t.co/nUWJ0rM8wZ
— Captain Mark Kelly (@CaptMarkKelly) September 10, 2025

Rep. Abe Hamadeh

Congressman Hamadeh's Statement on the Assassination Attempt on Charlie Kirk:

We are monitoring the situation very closely. Until we learn more, I urge everyone to join me in praying for this faithful patriot, his beautiful family, and our country.
— Office of Congressman Abe Hamadeh (@RepAbeHamadeh) September 10, 2025

Rep. Yassamin Ansari

Political violence is never acceptable—this is horrific. https://t.co/DrVqv1drRK
— Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari (@RepYassAnsari) September 10, 2025

Rep. Andy Biggs

Rep. Juan Ciscomani

Please join Laura and me in praying for Charlie Kirk and his family.
— Juan Ciscomani (@JuanCiscomani) September 10, 2025

Rep. Greg Stanton

The attack on Charlie Kirk is horrifying. I’m praying hard for him, and keeping his family in my thoughts.

Political violence has absolutely no place in our country. https://t.co/u0MRmdavk3
— Rep. Greg Stanton (@RepGregStanton) September 10, 2025

Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes

The news of Charlie Kirk being shot is terrible and disturbing. I condemn political violence. This cannot be who we are. We are all Americans.
— Arizona Secretary of State (@AZSecretary) September 10, 2025

Arizona governor candidate Karrin Taylor Robson

Arizona attorney general candidate Rodney Glassman

Pray for Charlie Kirk. He is a father, husband, and was so kind to my daughter. pic.twitter.com/JolPCfdhYg
— Rodney Glassman (@rodneyglassman) September 10, 2025

Former Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer

Arizona state Sen. Jake Hoffman

A gunman opened fire on Charlie Kirk at a campus event in Utah today.

Pray for Charlie.
— Jake Hoffman (@JakeHoffmanAZ) September 10, 2025

Arizona state Sen. Analise Ortiz

Political violence has no place in a free and fair democracy. https://t.co/bOhDel0J9l
— Sen. Analise Ortiz (@senanaliseortiz.bsky.social) (@SenAnaliseOrtiz) September 10, 2025

Zach Buchanan has been the news editor for the Phoenix New Times since April 2024. He's worked as a journalist in Phoenix for more than a decade, and is an alum of both The Athletic and the Arizona Republic. He's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, and has taught as an associate professor at ASU's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

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