On Sept. 10, 2025, approximately around 12:00 p.m., a gunshot struck conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, causing an uproar both on campus and in the media.
A gunman assassinated Charlie Kirk, founder of nonprofit organization Turning Point USA last Wednesday while he debated students. Moments before this occurred, a student asked Kirk about the number of transgender Americans who have committed mass shootings. Kirk replied, “Too many.” The student then questioned whether Kirk knew how many mass shooters had lived in America in the past year. Kirk responded, “Counting or not counting gang violence?” At that moment, a shot was fired, striking Kirk in the neck. The news quickly spread across the country, leaving supporters—including multiple Texas High students and faculty—deeply concerned for the future of America.
“This time period is not one for hate toward another,” sophomore Chapel Telg said. “We especially need to be united as America[ns] to be able to work out the cracks that are seen throughout.”
Politicians such as President Trump, as well as citizens around the globe, expressed sympathies toward the Kirk family. St. Mary’s Catholic Church in College Station, Texas held a vigil mass for Kirk the following Thursday.
“I admire how Mr. Kirk stood up for what he believed [in],” health science teacher Stacey Hensley said. “[He] was not ashamed of his faith. My prayer is that more people will be like him.”
Kirk’s wife, Erika, and their kids were present at the university and witnessed the tragedy. Erika shared that the Lord serves as her “refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble [Psalm 46:1].”
While tributes poured in from across the country, authorities launched a thirty-three hour long manhunt for Tyler Robinson, a Utah resident discovered to be the shooter of the crime scene. Authorities found a towel with Robinson’s DNA wrapped around the suspected murder weapon. On the gun, there was an inscription saying, “Hey fascist! Catch!” Utah government Spencer Cox spoke at a press conference on Sep. 12 releasing information concerning the assassin.
“A family member of Tyler Robinson reached out to a family friend, who contacted the Washington County Sheriff’s Office,” Cox said. “[He shared] information that Robinson had confessed to them or implied that he had committed the incident.”
The assasination of Kirk has created opinions as to what punishments Robinson should face, such as the death penalty.
“The man who is behind this unforgivable crime deserves the highest punishment,” sophomore Braydan Maynard said. “This is an American tragedy that will be remembered forever.”
