UPDATE 4:35 p.m.: This story has been updated to include comments from Wyoming Senate President Bo Biteman, a friend of Kirk's. Also, reaction from House Speaker Chip Neiman, Gov. Mark Gordon, and the Wyoming Republican and Democratic parties.
UPDATE 2:40 p.m.: This story has been updated to reflect that Charlie Kirk has died after being shot at an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.
The three members of Wyoming’s all-Republican congressional delegation Wednesday condemned the shooting at Utah Valley University (UVU) that killed political thought leader Charlie Kirk.
Kirk, the founder of the conservative student group Turning Point USA, was speaking at the school when a single shot rang out. Video circulating on social media of the event show Kirk appearing to recoil in his seat as the crowd scatters.
Ellen Treanor, associate vice president of strategic communication at the school, confirmed to Cowboy State Daily that Kirk was struck in the neck and was the only person shot.
He later died, which friend and ally President Donald Trump posted about on his Truth Social platform.
"The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead," Trump posted. "No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth of the United States of America better than Charlie.
"He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now he is no longer with us."
Trump also ordered all flags American flags in the United States to be flown at half-mast through 6 p.m. Sunday.
U.S. Sen. John Barrasso told Cowboy State Daily in a statement that the shooting is one of several instances of political violence impacting the United States.
“This sickening trend of political violence must end,” he wrote. “My prayers remain with Charlie and his young family.”
U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis condemned all political violence in a statement to Cowboy State Daily and acknowledged that Kirk had recently visited Wyoming for a similar event.
“Today's assassination of Charlie Kirk in Utah is sickening and horrific," she saiud. "Charlie Kirk was a young leader, a husband, a father, and someone who had visited the University of Wyoming earlier this year to talk and engage with our students about the future of our country."
Also speaking reacting to the shooting was Wyoming’s lone U.S. House member Rep. Harriet Hageman, who said Kirk had not done anything to incite such violence.
“Charlie Kirk was attacked in a horrific, senseless act of violence while engaging in respectful dialogue on a college campus,” she posted on X. “I am praying for him and his family during this heartbreaking time.”
The alleged shooter fired from a building about 200 yards from where Kirk was speaking.
Kirk was immediately taken away by security and was in surgery as of Wednesday afternoon, the university reports. Campus has been closed as police continue to investigate the scene.
UVU police reports it had detained one suspect, but determined that person not to be related to the shooting.
Gabe Saint, president of the University of Wyoming’s Turning Point USA chapter, told Cowboy State Daily he had not received any updates on Kirk’s condition as of Wednesday afternoon.
“Just need lots of prayers,” he wrote via text. “My students and I at UW are praying hard right now. He’s our hero.”
Kirk in Wyoming
Kirk visited the University of Wyoming in April as part of his American Comeback Tour, a series of events in which he engages students in debates on hot-button political and social topics. His Wednesday event at UVU was also part of that tour.
During the UW event, he spoke in favor of President Donald Trump, saying his policies would prove beneficial for American civilization. He spoke critically of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) within higher education institutions, calling it part of “the anti-racism monster.”
Two Cheyenne residents in attendance told Cowboy State Daily at the time that they aligned with Kirk’s stance on religion. Kirk at that event justified his views on racial equality by citing the fact that God loves all people regardless of skin color.
Wyoming state Senate President Bo Biteman reacted with shock and sadness to the news of Kirk's killing.
"I am devastated by the tragic and disgusting assassination of my friend, Charlie Kirk," Biteman said in a statement. "I've know Charlie since before his rise to prominence — a salt-of-the-earth man with a beautiful family, driven by an unwavering coimmitment to his beliefs."
Biteman also condemned the actions of the shooter and other instances of political violence.
"This act of political violence is a wound to our nation, and we must stand united against such hatred," he said. "Let us honor Charlie's memory by fostering respectful dialogue over division, and peace over violence."
Biteman's counterpart in the Legislature, House Speaker Chip Neiman, R-Hulett, also condemned the shooting.
"Today my heart is filled with incredible sorrow by the horrific and senseless murder of Charlie Kirk," he said in a statement. "Charlie was killed while expressing his right as an American to engage in political discourse on an American college campus. Charlie has touched the lives of countless individuals, including many right here in Wyoming.
"No one in this country should be terrorized for exercising their inalienable right to engage in public dialogue."
Gov. Mark Gordon issued a statement that "I and all of Wyoming condemn today's tragic killing of Charlie Kirk."
"As citizens, we must take this moment to reaffirm our commitment to protecting our ability to speak openly on our views without fear," he said. "Political violence must never be tolerated. We as a nation are diminished because of this senseless act."
Continued Violence
Wednesday's attack continues a trend of violence directed at political figures. President Donald Trump was notably injured in a shooting at a presidential campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania in July 2024.
He was also targeted in September 2024 in a separate attack while on his Florida golf course.
In June, a Minnesota state representative and her husband were assassinated at their home just after a state senator and his wife were both shot and wounded in their homes. The shooting led to the largest manhunt in state history and the arrest of a 57-year-old man.
"Political violence is completely unacceptable," Lummis said in her statement. "The perpetrator must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I hope you will join me in praying for Charlie's wife, young kids, family, and friends. John 13:34."
The Wyoming Democratic Party also denounced the shooting, saying in a statement that, "We were horrified to learn of the shooting at Charlie Kirk's event in Utah today."
"We condemn all political violence in the strongest possible terms," the statement adds. "Just a few months ago, two Democratic lawmakers were gunned down in their own homes. This cannot become a pattern in our country. It is reprehensible and we cannot allow it to be normalized."
The Wyoming Republican Party also lamented the killing, calling Kirk a "determined conservative culture warrior, with a talent that was unmatched in bringing young people together in our conservative movement."
"Charlie directly addressed Wyoming Republicans at our 2020 State Convention, encouraging us to stand and speak our values every day, turning hearts and minds back to our American foundations of faith, family and loyalty to our country and our countrymen," the statement continues. "We can honor his legacy by matching his example of civil discourse and constant vigilance in the defense of our nation’s highest ideals."
Jackson Walker can be reached at walker@cowboystatedaily.com.
