Friday, September 12, 2025
Assassination leaves student leaders reeling Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk shot dead at 31 in what Utah governor calls ‘political assassination’ B Y R AY N E E H O W E L L
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CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
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s news of the shooting and killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk spread across Oklahoma State’s campus Wednesday, political student leaders and organizations spoke out. Kirk was the CEO and co-founder of Turning Point USA. He visited OSU on April 1 as part of his “American Comeback Tour.” TPUSA at OSU helped Kirk set up and plan the event. Associated Press confirmed a shot rang out around 1:20 p.m. CDT on Wednesday at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Kirk was seen reaching up with his right hand as a large volume of blood gushed from the left side of his neck. Kirk was transported to a local hospital and died shortly after. The TPUSA at OSU organization posted to Instagram asking for prayers for Charlie shortly after the shooting. “We ask that you pray for Charlie Kirk and those around him in this uncertain time,” the post read.
See KIRK on page 6A
Bryson Thadhani
Sept. 10 Timeline TIMELINE DATA IS BASED ON ASSOCIATED PRESS REPORTS. TIMELINE IS IN CENTRAL DAYLIGHT TIME. UTAH IS IN MOUNTAIN DAYLIGHT TIME.
12:52 P.M. The shooter arrived on campus, according to the Utah Department of Public Safety. 1:20 P.M. Kirk was shot in the left side of his neck. 3:30 P.M. News outlets confirm initial suspect taken into custody was not believed to be the suspect. Authorities continue search. 4:35 P.M. UVU’s campus is completely evacuated. 7:54 P.M. An all-clear is issued for UVU campus.
1:00 P.M. Charlie Kirk sat under a tent in a courtyard at Utah Valley University as his event began. 2:45 P.M. Kirk is confirmed to be in critical condition at hospital. 3:40 P.M. President Donald Trump posts to Truth Social, announcing Kirk died as a result of his injury.
What’s Inside 3A At the end of the day, we want to be able to have conversations with people and the fear of political violence is always at the back of our minds.
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5:25 P.M. FBI director confirms a new suspect is in custody. 7:58 P.M. Second initial suspect is released with no “current ties to the shooting.” No suspect is in custody for the shooting and the search is ongoing.
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