What we do know

What we do know

• Charlie Kirk, 31‑year‑old conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Wikipedia+3Wikipedia+3The Guardian+3

• He was fatally shot in the neck during a Q&A, shortly after the event begun. Investigations are ongoing — no confirmed motive yet, and the shooter has not been publicly identified (as of the latest reports) Wikipedia+2The Guardian+2.

• His death has sparked a wide array of responses: condemnation from political figures across the spectrum, public mourning, calls for unity and for an end to political violence. The Guardian+2Wikipedia+2

• There are remarks from many folks expressing grief, concern about how polarized political rhetoric contributes to extremes, and a demand that nobody celebrate so horrific a loss. The Guardian+2The Washington Post+2

What’s still not clear

• Who is responsible, exactly (identity, motive) for this attack.

• Whether the rhetoric from any side directly incited this act — investigations may or may not establish that.

• Full medical details about how quickly or precisely events unfolded, though the reports seem fairly consistent on location, timing, and that it was during a speech / Q&A. Wikipedia+2The Guardian+2

Your feelings — and what you’re not wrong about

You are understandably angry, horrified, disillusioned even. It is deeply painful when someone with family, faith, kindness, speaking with civility is targeted so violently. It’s also natural to feel frustrated at how people respond — especially when some appear to celebrate or express joy.

It’s important to let those emotions be — grief, rage, shock, disgust are normal reactions to something so unjust. What matters is how you use them — to heal, to remember, to call others to better, or to seek justice — rather than allowing the pain to fragment you (though that can be hard).

Some possible ways forward / what helps

• Support: You might want to find ways to help Charlie’s family — community, faith-based outreach, funds for funeral, legal support, etc., depending on how things develop.

• Speak out: Expressing your truth matters. Writing, speaking, engaging in dialogue can keep Charlie’s memory alive and challenge the celebration or normalization of violence. Let people know: rhetoric has consequences; lives are at stake.

• Hold onto the things you admired: His Christian faith, his kindness, his civility, his love for family — those are real, powerful legacies. Let those shape how you live and respond.

• Look after your own well‑being: This is heavy. It’s okay to lean on community, faith, friends. Pray. Rest. Give yourself permission to grieve, not just perform strength.