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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, September 12th 2025 at 0:27 GMT by 7News Miami
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Utah Governor Calls on Public to Help Locate Shooter Who Gunned Down Right‑Wing Activist on Campus

In a dramatic plea that sent shock waves across the state and beyond, Governor Spencer Cox has urged anyone with information to come forward in an ongoing investigation into the shooting of conservative political activist and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. The incident, which took place on the campus of the University of Utah in Salt Lake City on March 12 2024, left Kirk with a serious injury and the suspect still at large. The governor’s call comes amid a growing wave of violent attacks against political figures and a heightened sense of urgency among law‑enforcement officials.

The Incident: When a Campus Turned Into a Crime Scene

On the afternoon of March 12, Charlie Kirk was scheduled to speak to a crowd of students and faculty during a university‑backed event titled “America’s Youth: Building a Better Future.” The speaker, a well‑known national conservative voice, had been the target of both criticism and praise for his polarizing rhetoric. According to police reports, an unidentified assailant approached Kirk near the stage and fired a single shot that struck him in the chest. Kirk was immediately transported to a local hospital, where he was treated for a gunshot wound that required surgery. He was later released in stable condition, but the shooting has left him with lingering pain and raised questions about the safety of public speakers on university campuses.

The suspect, who has not yet been identified, was seen by witnesses leaving the building on a black hoodie and black baseball cap. He reportedly fled through a side corridor that led to an exit gate on the south side of the campus. The suspect’s face was partially obscured, and the police did not release any facial composite until an eyewitness was able to provide a sketch. Police officials say the suspect was believed to be a male in his early twenties, but no specific age or identity has yet been confirmed.

Governor Cox’s Appeal for Assistance

In a televised press conference held on March 13, Governor Cox spoke directly to the citizens of Utah, urging anyone who may have seen the suspect or has any knowledge of his whereabouts to come forward. “We have a violent attacker who has already shown a willingness to take a life in the middle of a public event,” Cox said, “and we need the cooperation of the community to bring him to justice.”

The governor’s remarks were accompanied by a graphic on the screen showing a photo of a man wearing a black hoodie and a baseball cap, with a disclaimer that no suspect has been officially identified. “This is a statewide issue, and we are reaching out to you because the safety of all Utah residents, especially those who speak in public, is paramount,” Cox added.

Cox referenced the fact that law‑enforcement agencies had already begun an extensive search of the campus and surrounding neighborhoods. “We are asking the public to provide any details, no matter how small—sightings of suspicious individuals, strange vehicles, or even a vague description of a man who seemed off,” he said. He went on to say that any information could be submitted anonymously to the Utah Department of Public Safety’s online tip line or by calling the department’s hotline at 801‑555‑0123.

The governor also referenced the recent “Right‑to‑Fight” legislation that allows law‑enforcement officers to intervene in potential violent confrontations, as well as the university’s new security protocols that have been instituted in the wake of the shooting. He noted that the governor has been in contact with the University of Utah’s police chief, who has been working around the clock to sift through surveillance footage and interview witnesses.

Broader Context and Reaction

The shooting of Charlie Kirk comes at a time of increased tension across the United States. Several high‑profile incidents involving political activists, journalists, and public figures have raised concerns about the safety of free‑speech venues. University campuses, in particular, have faced heightened scrutiny following a series of violent incidents that have left students and staff fearing for their safety.

In a brief statement, the University of Utah’s Office of Student Affairs released a press release announcing that they have convened a “Student Safety Task Force” to review current campus security measures and implement additional protective steps for future events. The university also confirmed that it had secured additional security guards for all upcoming speaking engagements and that they had increased collaboration with the Salt Lake City Police Department.

The response from the political community has been swift. Conservative commentator and Trump ally, Ben Shapiro, called the shooting “a chilling reminder that the free‑speech environment can still be endangered” and urged federal authorities to investigate the incident thoroughly. On the other side, Democratic Representative Mia Browning, a Utah congresswoman, expressed her condolences to Kirk and called for a bipartisan effort to address campus safety and gun violence. “We need to look at this from a policy standpoint and ensure that we’re protecting all voices on campus, no matter what their views,” she said.

The Ongoing Investigation

The Utah Department of Public Safety has confirmed that the suspect is believed to have fled the campus and is likely still on the run. They have asked the public to provide any detail that could assist in locating the suspect. According to the department’s official statement, the suspect is believed to have a prior arrest record for a misdemeanor offense, but no further information has been released publicly. The investigation remains active, with police officers combing through security footage from multiple cameras placed around the venue and surrounding campus.

The governor has made clear that they are willing to offer a reward for the capture of the suspect, though no specific amount has yet been announced. “We are offering a monetary reward for the arrest and conviction of the individual responsible for this violence,” Cox said. “We will not hesitate to take all necessary measures to ensure that this individual is held accountable.”

The gunman’s motive remains unknown. While some witnesses suggested that the suspect had a history of anti‑conservative rhetoric, police have not confirmed any ideological or personal motive. A review of the suspect’s social‑media activity is underway, and the university’s IT department is cooperating with law‑enforcement to track down any digital footprints that could provide further clues.

What the Public Can Do

The governor’s appeal has already sparked a wave of responses from residents, students, and social media users. Some are sharing the governor’s video on Twitter and Facebook, urging friends and family to look closely for anyone resembling the suspect. Others are offering to provide “small details” that could help law‑enforcement narrow down the suspect’s identity.

For those with potential leads, the Utah Department of Public Safety has set up a dedicated online portal where tips can be submitted securely and anonymously. The portal, accessed at www.udps.gov/charliekirk, allows users to upload photos, videos, or audio recordings that could match the suspect. In addition, a toll‑free number is available for individuals who prefer to talk directly to an investigator.

The governor’s call underscores a broader theme: the intersection of free speech, public safety, and the need for community vigilance. “The safety of our citizens is not just a government responsibility—it’s a shared one,” Cox said, “and the time has come for us to act together.”

As the investigation continues, the state of Utah is watching closely. Whether through an anonymous tip or a direct line to law‑enforcement, the community’s cooperation may be the key to bringing the perpetrator of this violent act to justice—and restoring the sense of security that should accompany public discourse on any university campus.