Pro-Israel Activist Charlie Kirk Shot Dead During Utah Speech
Charlie Kirk, founder of the U.S. far-right group ‘Turning Point USA (TPUSA)’ and a staunch defender of the Israeli occupation, was killed Wednesday night after being shot in the neck.
United States, PUREWILAYAH.COM – Charlie Kirk, founder of the U.S. far-right group ‘Turning Point USA (TPUSA)’ and a staunch defender of the Israeli occupation, was killed Wednesday night after being shot in the neck while delivering a speech at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
The 31-year-old figure, known for his close ties to U.S. President Donald Trump, was speaking under a tent outside the Sorensen Center as part of his “American Return” tour when the fatal shot was fired.
Videos circulating online show Kirk collapsing as the audience watched in shock.
Police confirmed the suspect was arrested shortly after the shooting, reporting that the gunman fired from a nearby building. Authorities stated that the attacker was not affiliated with the university but have not released his identity or motives.
Propagator of U.S.-Israel Narratives
Kirk was known as one of the most influential young far-right organizers in the United States, using his platform to promote pro-occupation narratives and conservative political agendas.
Through Turning Point USA, he championed unwavering support for “Israel,” organizing curated trips to the occupied territories and training American students to counter the global Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement.
His organization offered an “Israel Support Package” that included media strategies, training, and materials designed to whitewash occupation policies while silencing criticism of Israeli actions on U.S. campuses.
TPUSA conferences regularly hosted pro-occupation speakers and worked to elevate pro-Israeli voices on the American political stage.
Political Figures Respond
Following Kirk’s death, President Trump ordered all U.S. flags at government buildings, schools, and military bases to be flown at half-staff until Sunday evening.
On social media, Trump described Kirk as “a truly Great American Patriot” and “legendary,” praising his outreach to America’s youth.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes — politicized the incident by framing Kirk’s death as an attack on “truth” and “freedom.”
He revealed that he had planned to bring Kirk to speak in the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories, a plan cut short by his death. Netanyahu called Kirk “a lion-hearted friend of Israel.”
A Divided Political Reaction
Condemnations of the killing came from across the U.S. political spectrum. Former President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Senator Bernie Sanders, and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez all denounced the incident as an unacceptable act of political violence.
However, critics point out that many of these same figures have remained silent on — or actively supported — Israel’s aggressive policies that have killed thousands of civilians in Gaza, Lebanon, and Yemen, drawing accusations of hypocrisy from pro-Palestinian and anti-occupation activists. (PW)