Who is Charlie Kirk’s shooter?

On September 10, 2025, Conservative Activist and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk became deadly shot during a striking event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.

The tragic incident has led widespread indignation, condolences from the entire political spectrum and a constant investigation into the identity and motives of the shooter.

As details continue to arise, this function investigates the current state of the research, the available evidence and the challenges that the authorities have in identifying the perpetrator.

Details of the incident
Kirk, 31, spoke during an event as part of his “American Comeback Tour” when a single shot was fired from about 200 meters away and hit him in the neck.

Video images made the moment and showed that Kirk responded to a question about massive shootings in America before the shot realized, creating panic under the crowd.

He was rushed to a hospital, but collapsed with his injuries. His wife, Erika, and their two young children were reportedly present at the campus at that time.

The investigation: Suspicious status
From the last reports there is no suspect in custody, despite the first confusion.

Utah Valley University initially stated that a suspect had been held, but university spokesperson Ellen Treanor later clarified that the individual was released after the police established that they were not the shooter.

Authorities, including the FBI and the local law enforcement, are actively looking for the perpetrator, with the investigation described as underway.

The scene has not been declared safe and the police are carrying out building-to-building evacuations on campus.

Eyewitness accounts and suspicious description
Eyewitnesses have given limited details about the shooter.

Deseret News reporter Eva Terry, who was present at the event, described the suspect as a possibly an older man, in the late 1950s to 60 years, wore what looked like the uniform of an employee.

The shot is supposed to have come from the middle to the right side of the public, possibly from the Losee Center of the university, about 200 feet of the Kirk location.

Non -rejected claims and speculation on social media
Social media platforms, including X, have played with speculation about the identity of the shooter.

One account, which claims to be Fox 11 Reno, suggested that the shooter was called Michael Mallinson, but later withdrew the statement and identified the individual as Kevin Spitz of Washington, DC

Neither of the name has been confirmed by the authorities and these claims will not remain verified. Eyewitnesses have also reported conflicting reports, in which some suggest that the police initially held the wrong person.

Given the lack of official confirmation, these reports must be treated as not decisive.

Context and possible motives
The shooting took place just after Kirk was questioned about Transgender Massa Shooters and the broader issue of massive shootings in America, so some speculate about a politically motivated attack.

Kirk’s provocative style and conservative activism, including his opposition against weapon management, dei policy and gender-confirming care, had made him a polarizing figure.

Voices to connect him to speak to Utah Valley University and Utah State University have collected almost 1,000 and 7,000 signatures respectively, indicating a significant local opposition.