Michael Mallinson registered Utah Democrat identified as UVU gunman who shot Charlie Kirk while speaking at Utah Valley University. Motive unclear. Conservative speaker dies from wound.
Update report: Utah authorities say the suspect continues to remain at large and that Michael Mallinson was cleared and not identified as the shooter.
Original report: Michael Mallinson a registered Democrat in the state of Utah, was taken into custody moments after the suspect firing a single gunshot while conservative commentator, Charlie Kirk was addressing students at Utah Valley University, Wednesday afternoon.
Second UVU suspect arrested released as Charlie Kirk shooter remains at large
WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT: Charlie Kirk shot in the neck in front of audience at Turning Point USA TPUSA Utah Valley University. The suspected shooter has been detained. Enough is Enough!
#charliekirk #tpusaDear God. Please God. Pray for Charlie. MAY GOD BLESS HIM. Our thoughts… pic.twitter.com/C8if6Cckze
— Ape𝕏 (@CubanOnlyTrump) September 10, 2025
MSNBC analyst fired for blaming Charlie Kirk ‘hateful rhetoric’ for his own shooting death
Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, was shot at at 12:10 p.m. in the quad near the food court. Ironically, the conservative activist was discussing shooting and gang violence at the time.
‘Do you know how many mass shooters there have been in America in the last 10 years?’ a person asked Kirk, according to The New York Times.
‘Counting or not counting gang violence?’ Kirk responded right before he is shot.
School officials said gunshots were fired from the top of a building on campus approximately 200 yards from where Kirk was speaking from under a tent striking the conservative commentator in the neck.
The shooting occurred about 20 minutes after Kirk began speaking, KTVQ reported.
Reporting from multiple outlets says Kirk was evacuated from the campus by his security team.
Kirk tragically died from his wound. With social media confirming the conservative commentator was dead.
‘We are confirming that he was shot and we are praying for Charlie,’ said Aubrey Laitsch, public relations manager for Turning Point USA.
The university sent a report to students, saying, ‘A single shot was fired on campus toward a visiting speaker.’
Shooter seen running across roof after shooting Charlie Kirk dead
🚨BREAKING: Charlie Kirk shooter confirmed to be Michael Mallinson a registered Democrat in the state of Utah, Fox reports. pic.twitter.com/5RIAecQyIY
— Lenka White (@white_lenka) September 10, 2025
UVU shooter continued to remain at large
Read the alleged gunman’s Facebook page, ‘If the truth be told, I’m a grumpy, anti-social, old, privilege, white guy. AxSpA patient. Patient advocate. Volunteer. Opinionated about everything.’
Utah Senator Mike Lee posted on X, formerly Twitter, ‘I am tracking the situation at Utah Valley University closely. Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk and the students gathered there.’
Gov. Cox said he is being briefed by law enforcement.
‘Those responsible will be held fully accountable,’ he said. ‘Violence has no place in our public life. Americans of every political persuasion must unite in condemning this act. Our prayers are with Charlie, his family, and all those affected.’
The campus is closed for the rest of the day.
Five area schools were placed on lockdown.