Pro-'Israel' rightist Charlie Kirk shot dead during Utah speech
4 Min Read
Founder of Turning Point USA and close Trump ally, Kirk is known for his staunch support of "Israel" and conservative youth mobilization.
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Charlie Kirk hands out hats before speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025 (AP)
American right-wing activist Charlie Kirk was killed after being shot in the neck while delivering a speech during his “American Return” tour at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Wednesday evening.
Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and a close ally of US President Donald Trump, was speaking under a tent outside the Sorensen Center when he was struck. Videos circulating online showed the moment he collapsed to the ground as the audience looked on in shock.
#WATCH | Footage showing the moment pro-"Israel" activist #CharlieKirk was shot in #Utah. pic.twitter.com/7Qoj62ymLq
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) September 10, 2025
Police confirmed that the suspect was arrested shortly after the incident, stating he had fired from a nearby building. Authorities noted the shooter was not affiliated with the university, but gave no details on his identity or motives.
Video of them arresting the Charlie Kirk shooter pic.twitter.com/KquWQMIKPi
— Rampage Beeker (@RichBeeker) September 10, 2025
Key voice for US conservatives, pro-'Israel'
Kirk, 31, has risen to prominence in US conservative politics as one of the most influential right-wing youth activists. Through his organization Turning Point USA, he has sought to spread conservative values on college campuses and mobilize a new generation of right-leaning voters.
He is also known for his unwavering support for "Israel", positioning himself as one of the most vocal defenders of the occupation within the US conservative movement.
No, Israel is not starving Gazans.
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) July 28, 2025
Watch. pic.twitter.com/fLA8Y7r8q0
Kirk was among the first of his generation to harness social media platforms to shape American public opinion, using them to amplify both pro-"Israel" narratives and far-right political causes.
The deaths of women and children in Gaza are the fault of Hamas, not Israel, just like the deaths in Japan during World War 2 were the fault of Japan, not America. When a government engages in unprovoked, murderous aggression, they are to blame for everything that results.
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) October 17, 2023
Turning Point USA’s pro-'Israel' stance
Turning Point USA organizes student trips to "Israel", presenting participants with curated perspectives on its history, politics, and society, aimed at strengthening US-"Israel" ties.
The organization also promotes an “Israel Support Package," which provides American students with educational materials, media strategies, and training sessions to counter boycott campaigns and present favorable narratives about "Israel" on campuses.
Additionally, TPUSA hosts conferences to bring pro-"Israel" activists to prominence, runs training programs for young influencers, and coaches them on how to effectively promote positive messaging about "Israel" while responding to criticism.
Trump, Netanyahu bid farewell to supporter Kirk
Following Kirk's death, Trump announced that US flags should be flown at half-staff to honor the death of the right-wing activist. Via an executive order, the US president can order all flags in government buildings, offices, public schools, and military bases to fly at half-staff.
"In honor of Charlie Kirk, a truly Great American Patriot, I am ordering all American Flags throughout the United States lowered to Half Mast until Sunday evening at 6 P.M.," Trump posted on Truth Social.
In another post announcing his death, Trump hailed Kirk as "great" and "even legendary."
"No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us," the US president said.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — indicted by the International Criminal Court on war crimes charges — attempted to frame the incident politically, alleging that the American activist was "murdered for speaking truth and defending freedom."
Netanyahu disclosed that he had planned to bring Kirk to deliver speeches in the Israeli-occupied territories, but acknowledged that those plans were cut short by his death.
The war criminal said Kirk was "a lion-hearted friend of Israel," adding that "his boundless pride in America and his valiant belief in free speech will leave a lasting impact."
Democrats, allies decry Kirk’s assassination
A wave of condemnation followed Kirk’s assassination, with notable voices from the Democratic Party and allied political circles leading the response.
Former US President Joe Biden stated that “there is no place in our country for this kind of violence.” His remarks were echoed by former Vice President Kamala Harris, Senator Bernie Sanders, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, Zohran Mamdani.
“I’m horrified by the shooting of Charlie Kirk at a college event in Utah,” Mamdani posted on X, stressing that “political violence has no place in our country.”
