Charlie Kirk, 31, was shot while speaking at an outdoor event during his nationwide “American Comeback Tour.” The tour, organized by Turning Point USA, the conservative group he co-founded, includes at least 15 stops across the country.
The first stop drew roughly 3,000 attendees and began just after noon local time (18:10 GMT). Before the event, a petition urged the hosting university to block Kirk from speaking, but the university allowed the event to proceed under its free speech policies.
Moments after the shooting, surveillance footage from a nearby building showed an individual running across the roof of the Losee Center, a campus building close to the event. Authorities are investigating the incident but have not released details about the suspect.
The speech was held outdoors, which made controlling the crowd more challenging. The event aimed to share Kirk’s political message and engage supporters. University officials emphasized the importance of upholding free speech while maintaining safety for all attendees.
Witnesses reported hearing gunshots shortly after the speech began. Panic spread through the crowd as people ran for cover. Security personnel quickly helped evacuate attendees and assisted law enforcement in responding to the situation.
Law enforcement confirmed that Kirk was shot but provided few details about his condition. Investigators are reviewing video from the event and nearby buildings, as well as collecting witness statements to establish a clear timeline of events.
The incident has sparked discussions about safety measures at public events featuring high-profile speakers. Many universities and organizers may now review security protocols to prevent similar attacks in the future.
Social media reacted strongly to the shooting. Supporters of Kirk expressed shock and concern, while others called for stronger safety measures at political events. The event illustrates the risks that can occur at large gatherings, even when security is present.
Officials urged the public not to speculate while the investigation continues. Security has been increased at upcoming tour stops to protect both Kirk and attendees. The timeline of the shooting, from the start of the speech to the moments immediately afterward, underscores the importance of rapid response and planning for public events.
