Authorities reported that Charlie Kirk, a well known, conservative activist, was assassinated by a single bullet shot from the roof of a building. 31-year-old Kirk was speaking at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10 at an event that was attended by many. The crowd included his wife and two young children. 

Utah authorities say that the shooter was dressed in dark clothing and shot from a roof far in the distance. He looked to be of college age and seemed to blend in. Earlier on Wednesday, Sept. 10, authorities said that they had taken the shooter into custody; he was later released after questioning, showing no connection to the shooting. 

On Saturday, Sept. 12, the alleged shooter was finally arrested. He has been identified as Tyler Robinson and is being held in jail without parole as of right now. He was identified after a family member reported him for suspicious activity. 

Kirk lost a lot of blood from the shooting and was quickly rushed to the hospital, where he later passed away. This event comes after a dark time in American politics following multiple different assassination attempts on American politicians from all different ideologies. 

Kirk was a close ally of President Trump, who condemned Kirk’s assassination and sent prayers to his family. He was also later the one to announce his death. 

“As a mark of respect for the memory of Charlie Kirk…I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at..in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States,” Trump announced in his White House proclamation this Wednesday. 

Kirk’s death will be mourned by millions of American citizens as memorial services commence all across the United States.

On the same day, a shooting occurred at Evergreen High School in Colorado. A 16-year-old male student is suspected of shooting at the school around noon. The suspect died of self-inflicted injuries that same night.

Two students were hospitalized and were in critical condition due to gun wounds. One of these students is now stable, while one still remains in critical condition. 

This shooting follows close to 50 other school shootings that have occurred since the start of 2025. These stories are always heart-breaking to the American public, leaving parents scared for their children. 

“Students should be able to attend school safely and without fear across our state and nation,” Governor Polis of Colorado said, according to the New York Times. “We are all praying for the victims and the entire community.”