Chaos Erupts at Charlie Kirk Event as Shots Fired Leave Attendees in Shock

Sat Oct 11 2025 13:42:03 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Witnesses recount terrifying moments at Utah Valley University where conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot during a speaking event, triggering mass panic among attendees.

During a recent event at Utah Valley University, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was tragically shot, leading to panic among the 3,000 attendees. Eyewitness accounts describe horrifying moments both before and after the incident, as Kirk was struck by a bullet believed to have been fired from a nearby rooftop. Witnesses recollected chaotic scenes, with many fleeing the area amid screams and shouts. The event, originally aimed at rallying youth support, has raised serious questions regarding security measures at public gatherings.

Attendees at the campus event where US conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot on Wednesday have described mass panic after a shot was heard.

Kirk, 31, was killed after he was hit in the neck by a single bullet, which law enforcement believes came from a shooter on the roof of a nearby building.

The influencer and close Donald Trump ally had been speaking to about 3,000 people on his American Comeback Tour at Utah Valley University.

Videos on social media show Kirk talked about gun violence moments before he was shot.

One eyewitness told BBC News: Me and my buddies were having a good time just listening to what was going on and we just saw it, heard a loud shout, loud bang and then I saw his body actually in slow motion kind of fall over.

Porter LaFerber, a student at Utah Valley University who described himself as a big fan of Kirk's and was at the rally, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that he was about 50ft (15m) away from Kirk.

I was sitting there filming him, I cut my video and just then I heard this shot, he said. You don't really realise what's happened until it's happened. Charlie falls off his stool, everyone starts panicking.

LaFerber said he hid behind a cement terrace and then after about a minute of not hearing another gunshot, I got up and just booked it to the closest building I could see.

Danielle, another eyewitness, said she was closer to Kirk - about 15ft (5m) away, recalling: It was horrible. All I hear is screaming and I see people running... all I'm saying is, 'please, God, please, God, please, God,' because I don't want to die.

Jason Chaffetz, a former US congressman, said: The shot came straight at him, adding that everyone hit the deck and scattered. Adam Bartholomew, who was at the event interviewing counter-protesters spoke of the initial confusion, saying there was confusion and people started scrambling for the exits.

In the aftermath, videos shared on social media showcase the frantic rush to escape the unfolding horror, underscoring the emotional trauma experienced by many. Kirk's shooting, which raised questions about event security, was particularly shocking to attendees who witnessed what felt like a moment of life and death unfold in front of them.

Phil Lyman, a former Utah state representative, expressed the lasting impact of the event, stating: 3,000 kids basically watched somebody shot right in front of them, it's really traumatic. Really, really rough. Eyewitness Emma Pitts remarked, I'll never get the image out of my head. The tragic occurrence has ignited discussions surrounding public safety and violence at political events, with no firm answers yet provided surrounding security protocols at the university.