Salem Radio Network host Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, UT, on Wednesday (Sept. 10), during a live event at Utah Valley University in Orem, UT.
The attack occurred shortly after noon as Kirk addressed the audience on his “American Comeback Tour,” when a single shot struck him in the neck from what authorities believe was a long distance. Eyewitness accounts describe a gunman in tactical gear on a nearby rooftop, though police later clarified that while a person of interest had been questioned, no suspect is currently in custody. Kirk, 31, was rushed to a local hospital but died during surgery. The FBI and state authorities continue to investigate what Utah’s governor and many national leaders have called a political assassination. The killing has drawn bipartisan condemnation, with figures from Donald Trump to Barack Obama and Joe Biden denouncing the act as an attack on democracy and free expression.
In the immediate aftermath, Salem Media Group issued a statement mourning “the assassination of Charlie Kirk, who was taken from us today in a vile attack at Utah Valley University.” The company called it “a cowardly and vile act of violence, carried out to silence one of America’s boldest Christian conservative voices.” In a release, Salem CEO David Santrella said, “Charlie was more than a broadcaster, he was a fearless defender of truth and a faithful servant of God. This assassination was not just an attack on Charlie, it was an attack on free speech and on the values Charlie championed every day. His absence leaves a tremendous void, but his legacy of faith, courage, and conviction will continue to inspire generations.” Bradley Parscale, Salem’s Chief Strategy Officer, added, “He was part of the Salem family. His voice was fearless, unyielding, and relentless in the defense of faith and freedom. This heinous act of evil was meant to silence him, but as Christians, we know darkness cannot overcome the light. Charlie’s influence cannot and will not be silenced.”
Kirk hosted noon to 3pm on the network and is known for his youth-based non-profit “Turning Point USA.” He’s also the host of a top-rated conservative podcast, “The Charlie Kirk Show.” In March, Kirk picked up the affiliates of “The Dennis Prager Show” after Prager was forced to step away after suffering a spinal cord injury from a fall in his house.
Kirk has been considered a rising star in conservative media since Salem signed to take his New York radio show national and plucked his podcast from PodcastOne in 2021 as one of the first shows on its Salem Podcast Network.
Red Apple Media talk WABC New York (770) remembered Kirk, who hosted a program at the station from 2021 to 2022.
“Charlie brought passion, insight, and energy to our airwaves, and he connected with listeners in a truly special way,” John Catsimatidis, CEO, WABC, said in a statement. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to Charlie’s family, friends, and all who were touched by his work.”
“Charlie will be remembered fondly for his contributions to WABC and to the New York radio community.”
