September 10, 2025 02:15 PM UTC

Acts Of Gun Violence Bring News Cycle To Swift Halt

•  
• by: Colorado Pols

UPDATE: Deseret News reporting that conservative activist Charlie Kirk has died after being shot today at Utah Valley University.

—–

We are monitoring two separate tragic storylines involving gun violence this afternoon, the first out of Orem, Utah, where conservative activist Charlie Kirk of Turning Point USA was shot and severely wounded today before thousands of onlookers. NBC News:

The FBI is closely monitoring reports of a shooting involving Kirk, according to FBI Director Kash Patel.

“Our thoughts are with Charlie, his loved ones, and everyone affected,” Patel wrote in a post on X. “Agents will be on the scene quickly and the FBI stands in full support of the ongoing response and investigation.”

Vice President JD Vance responded to reports that Kirk was shot, encouraging others to “say a prayer” for the right-wing activist in a post on X.

Charlie Kirk has visited Colorado a number of times, and was set to attend a similar event at Colorado State University in Fort Collins next week. In 2022, Kirk was a major supporter of Republican gubernatorial candidate Heidi Ganahl. A suspect is reportedly in custody, and news outlets are awaiting word on Kirk’s condition.

Meanwhile, closer to home in Jefferson County, Evergreen High School is on lockdown after two students were shot and as CBS News reports an active shooter scene reportedly continues:

JeffCo emergency communications said there are reports of “an active assailant in the area of Evergreen High School.” The sheriff’s office said at least two students have been shot. St. Anthony’s Hospital said there are three students at the hospital in critical condition.

It’s still an active scene, and authorities asked those with students at the school not to go directly to the school at this time. Nearby, Wilmot Elementary School was also placed on lockdown just after 1:50 p.m.

A teacher told CBS Colorado that they are on lockdown with some students inside a room in the school.

We can all agree that there should be no more room for political violence than shootings in our schools, but today these issues have sadly intersected. In both cases, there is nothing more we can do than await updates and hope for the best.