New wave of political violence in America; Charlie Kirk's murder causes uproar

Utah, September 12, 2025: Charlie Kirk, a radical political activist and close associate of Donald Trump, was shot dead at an event at Utah Valley University in the United States on Wednesday. The incident is believed to be a political assassination, which has caused a stir in the United States. The 31-year-old Kirk was a co-founder of the organization Turning Point USA and an influential figure among Donald Trump's young supporters. After the murder, a search is underway for the suspected attacker, and the FBI has announced a reward of $ 100,000 in this case.
Who was Charlie Kirk?
Charlie Kirk was an influential right-wing activist in America. He founded the organization Turning Point USA, which is known for its support for Trump, especially among young and minority voters. Kirk had always learned the art of staying in the news with his sharp and controversial statements. He has consistently criticized mainstream media, gender, race, and immigration. His podcast and radio show, The Charlie Kirk Show, has millions of listeners, and he appears regularly on Fox News.
Kirk has also taken a stand against granting American visas to people from India. He has said that "America is full now," and this has drawn criticism. His statements on issues such as race, religion, and gender have led to accusations of anti-Semitism, anti-gay, and racism. In particular, he has questioned the qualifications of black American pilots and criticized the Civil Rights Movement and Black Lives Matter. He has also made controversial statements on gun laws, including saying that gun violence is "acceptable" in order to protect the Second Amendment (the right to bear arms in the US Constitution).
The incident and its aftermath
The murder took place at a concert organized by Kirk as part of his 'American Comeback Tour' at Utah Valley University. Kirk had been speaking for about 20 minutes when a shot was fired from the roof of a building, which hit Kirk directly in the neck. A video of the incident has gone viral on social media, in which Kirk is seen falling after being shot. Utah Valley University has confirmed the incident, and campus police and the FBI are jointly investigating.
A video has also emerged of the attacker jumping off the roof and fleeing. The suspect left hand and boot prints on a building as he fled, and a high-powered rifle has been found in the nearby woods. The FBI has released a photo and video of the suspect, but he has not yet been identified. Utah Governor Spencer Cox has promised full cooperation in the case.
Political leaders' outrage and reactions
US President Donald Trump called the killing "a dark moment for America" ??and called Kirk a "martyr for truth and freedom". In a video message on his Truth social platform, Trump blamed the "radical left" ideology for the killing and promised tough action against those responsible for political violence. He expressed his condolences to Kirk's wife, Erica, and her family.
Kamala Harris, the former vice president, condemned the killing and called for a united effort to prevent such acts from happening in the future. California Governor Gavin Newsom called the attack "disgusting" and "reprehensible", while former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who was injured in the 2011 attack, said political violence has no place in America. Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune also condemned the attack.
Kirk's legacy and controversy
Charlie Kirk helped boost Trump's support among young voters with his aggressive and controversial style. He befriended Donald Trump Jr., and the two visited Greenland to promote Trump's policies. Kirk also played a key role in Vice President J. D. Vance's election campaign. His organization, Turning Point USA, supported many of the Trump administration's policies and staff appointments.
However, Kirk's statements have often drawn criticism. He has also faced opposition for his statements against the Jewish community, gay rights, and black Americans. In 2023, he called the Civil Rights Act a "mistake" and called the Juneteenth holiday "un-American." This led to more than 6,800 students protesting his event at the University of Utah.