Where Was Charlie Kirk Shot? US Marks First Anniversary of the Conservative Activist's Death

The US is marking one year since conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed while speaking to students at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on 10 September 2025.

Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA and a vocal supporter of Donald Trump, was answering questions at an outdoor campus event when he was hit in the neck by a single shot. He was taken to hospital, where he died from his injuries.

A year later supporters are returning to the university to remember Kirk as the criminal case against the man accused of killing him moves closer to trial.

Where Was Charlie Kirk Shot?

Kirk was appearing at Utah Valley University as part of a campus speaking event associated with his 'American Comeback Tour.' He was addressing a large outdoor crowd and taking questions from students when the shot was fired.

Reports placed the gunman roughly 175 yards, or 160 metres, from Kirk. Footage from the event captured the moment he was struck in the neck before those gathered at the site began fleeing.

No one else was shot.

Kirk's wife and young children were reportedly on campus when the shooting happened.

Who Is Accused of Killing Charlie Kirk?

Utah prosecutors have charged Tyler Robinson, 22, with aggravated murder and other offences in connection with Kirk's death.

Robinson was identified after evidence from the shooting was released and examined, with reports saying his parents recognised him from the images. He later surrendered, but prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

On 1 September, a judge ruled that there was sufficient evidence for the criminal case to proceed to trial and that Robinson could face capital punishment if convicted. Robinson has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Court proceedings have examined video evidence allegedly showing the suspect on a roof, witness testimony and forensic evidence involving the weapon and bullet.

Robinson has not been convicted, and the trial will determine the allegations against him.

Charlie Kirk's Turning Point USA Legacy Continues

Kirk founded Turning Point USA in 2012 when he was 18, building what began as a conservative student organisation into an influential force in American right-wing politics.

TPUSA established chapters at high schools and universities, organised political conferences and became known for campus debates and youth-focused conservative activism.

Kirk also built a substantial online following and increasingly aligned himself with Trump and the MAGA movement.

By the 2024 election cycle, Turning Point USA had become a major conservative mobilisation operation, with revenue reaching tens of millions of dollars and a network spanning thousands of student chapters.

Following his death, leadership of Turning Point USA passed to his wife, Erika Kirk, who was appointed CEO and board chair shortly afterward and has continued to guide the organisation.

'Freedom Built to Last'

Kirk's death prompted tributes across the American conservative movement. Trump described him at the time as 'great and even legendary,' while a large memorial was subsequently held in Arizona.

One year later, Turning Point USA is commemorating its founder close to where he was killed.

The organisation planned a 'Freedom Built to Last' event at Utah Valley University's UCCU Center, with conservative figures including Glenn Beck expected to participate. The event is scheduled for 10 September 2026.

The anniversary comes as Kirk's organisation continues without the man whose identity was closely intertwined with its rise.

However, the university campus where Kirk arrived to debate students on 10 September 2025, and where his life ended minutes into the public event, continues to be a focal point of the commemoration for supporters gathered in Utah.