On September 10, 2025, tragedy struck at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, when conservative activist and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk was fatally shot during a public speaking event. The incident, which occurred in front of over 3,000 attendees, has sparked widespread grief and intense speculation about the circumstances surrounding his death. A recently released slow-motion video circulating on social media platforms, particularly X, has added a new layer of intrigue to the ongoing investigation, suggesting that the bullet may have ricocheted off Kirk’s bulletproof vest before striking his neck, leading to his instantaneous death.

Kirk, a prominent right-wing commentator and close ally of President Donald Trump, was engaged in a discussion about mass shootings as part of his “American Comeback Tour” when the fatal shot was fired. Videos from the scene capture the moment a loud pop rang out, followed by Kirk collapsing in his chair, blood gushing from a severe wound in his neck. The slow-motion footage, shared widely online, appears to show a small object—believed by some to be the bullet—entering the frame just before Kirk’s collapse. Many netizens have claimed that the bullet struck Kirk’s bulletproof vest, ricocheted upward, and penetrated the side of his neck, severing his carotid artery and causing catastrophic blood loss. However, conflicting theories have emerged, with some arguing the neck wound was an exit wound, suggesting the bullet may have entered elsewhere, possibly the head.
The shooting has been described as a “political assassination” by Utah’s governor, and the FBI is working alongside state and local law enforcement to investigate. Authorities have released images and videos of a person of interest, described as wearing all-black tactical gear, including a helmet, mask, and possibly a tactical vest. The suspect reportedly fired a single shot from the rooftop of the nearby Losee Center, approximately 200 yards away, before fleeing the scene. Drone footage and witness accounts indicate the shooter climbed down from the roof and escaped into a nearby neighborhood, prompting an ongoing manhunt.
The incident has reignited debates about gun violence and political polarization in the United States, particularly in Utah, a state with permissive gun laws allowing concealed and open carry without permits in most cases. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with attendees screaming and fleeing as the reality of the shooting set in. One witness, speaking to the BBC, recounted the horrifying sight of blood pouring from Kirk’s neck, likening it to a “fountain.” Public figures, including Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker and President Trump, have expressed their sorrow, with Trump vowing that Kirk’s legacy will endure.
Six months prior, a security expert had warned Kirk about inadequate protection at his events, recommending measures like ballistic glass to guard against sniper threats. The tragedy has left many questioning whether such precautions could have prevented his death. As the investigation continues, the slow-motion video remains a focal point, fueling speculation and underscoring the need for answers in this devastating loss of a polarizing yet influential figure.