The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints condemned political violence in a statement Wednesday after the fatal shooting of Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.

“It is with great sadness that we learn of the shooting that took place at Utah Valley University resulting in the death of Charlie Kirk. Our prayers go out to his family at this time. We condemn violence and lawless behavior. We also pray that we may treat one another with greater kindness, compassion, and goodness. For members of the Church, we reaffirm the Savior’s teaching and admonition is to love our neighbor.”

Charlie Kirk, CEO and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed on Sept. 10, 2025, during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University. The news quickly spread across social media as graphic videos showed the moment a bullet struck his neck. Students and audience members screamed and fled the scene.

Videos verified by the Associated Press captured Kirk speaking under a white tent before a single gunshot rang out. He reached toward his neck as blood poured from the left side. The shooting took place at the Sorensen Center courtyard on the UVU campus.

According to Orem Mayor David Young, the suspected shooter has not yet been arrested. A person was taken into custody at the university, but investigators confirmed that the individual was not the suspect.

Photos from the scene showed shocked students reacting, including Allison Hemingway-Witty, who wept after witnessing the shooting.

President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social: “No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. In honor of Charlie Kirk, a truly Great American Patriot, I am ordering all American Flags throughout the United States lowered to Half Mast until Sunday evening at 6 p.m.”

Utah Governor Spencer Cox announced he had spoken with Trump shortly after the shooting. “Working with the FBI and Utah law enforcement, we will bring to justice the individual responsible for this tragedy,” he said.

Utah Senator Mike Lee also released a statement on social media, calling Kirk an “American patriot.” He wrote, “The terrorists will not win. Charlie will. Please join me in praying for his wife Erika and their children. May justice be swift.”