"I can’t process this": Candace Owens calls for prayers for Charlie Kirk after 31-year-old is shot dead at Utah Valley University

Conservative commentator Candace Owens was among many national figures expressing shock and grief over the death of Charlie Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA. The American right-wing activist was shot and killed at an event in Utah on Wednesday, September 10 at age 31.

The incident happened shortly after 12 pm local time at Utah Valley University in Orem, where Kirk was visiting as part of his organization's tour, The American Comeback Tour. He was hosting a "Prove Me Wrong" debate, one of his signature events where he debates with students, when a single gunshot rang out.

Video of the incident shows Kirk moving back in his seat, bleeding from his neck, as chaos erupts in front of roughly 3,000 attendees. As news quickly spread, Candace Owens, another prominent conservative voice, immediately took to X. She first implored the public to pray for Kirk, writing,

“Everyone please stop what you are doing and pray for Charlie Kirk. Please."

Then, after President Donald Trump confirmed Kirk's death, Owens tweeted:

Candace Owens

@RealCandaceO

I can’t process this. 💔

---

Manhunt underway after conservative activist Charlie Kirk fatally shot

Charlie Kirk was a prominent American conservative activist and commentator, known for co-founding Turning Point USA in 2012. As CEO of the organization, he focused on educating high school and college students about conservative principles.

Kirk has been an ardent and vocal supporter of President Donald Trump, hosting a popular daily talk show and maintaining a large social media following. He became a well-known and sometimes controversial public figure because of his "Prove Me Wrong" campus tours.

Authorities classified the assault as a “targeted” shooting. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox declared the assassination of Charlie Kirk a “political assassination.”

Supporters gather outside of Timpanogos Regional Hospital to mourn Kirk (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)

According to authorities, the gunman shot from the top of a building at the nearby campus, the Losee Center. After initial reports indicated a suspect in custody, the FBI and Utah Department of Public Safety released information that the two people who were detained had no connection to the shooting. One of them was charged with obstruction, while the other was released after being questioned. An active manhunt for the shooter was still ongoing as of Wednesday evening.

Kirk's sudden death sparked outrage in the political world, with condemnations from everyone in the political sphere. President Trump, who confirmed Charlie Kirk's death on Truth Social, declared that U.S. flags should be flown at half-mast and called him "The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk."

Former Presidents Biden and Obama both issued statements condemning political violence. Vice President JD Vance, who described an eight-year friendship with Kirk, stated that the activist had lobbied for him to be Trump's running mate. He said Kirk had not only helped him win the 2024 election, but also for "staffing the whole government."

---

Investigators continue their search for the shooter. Stay tuned for more updates.