Charlie Kirk shooting and aftermath

The story so far

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk, a Trump ally, was shot dead while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, and a suspect was taken into custody.^{11 Sep 2025} Utah prosecutors said they will seek the death penalty against a 22-year-old man accused of the shooting, and evidence includes alleged text messages in which he appeared to confess.^{17 Sep 2025} President Donald Trump spoke at a memorial service for Kirk, who was 31, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.^{22 Sep 2025} The killing prompted public reaction in New Zealand: Simplicity founder Sam Stubbs apologised and deleted a LinkedIn post about Kirk's death that had drawn backlash, and Whanganui Mayor Andrew Tripe expressed regret for speaking at a Kirk vigil.^{16 Sep 2025; 1 Oct 2025}

Latest

Whanganui Mayor Andrew Tripe has said he regrets speaking at a candlelit vigil for Kirk, saying he knew very little about him before his death.^{1 Oct 2025}

Key moments

1. 11 Sep 2025Charlie Kirk shot dead while speaking at Utah Valley University; suspect in custody.
2. 16 Sep 2025Simplicity founder apologises and deletes LinkedIn post about Kirk's death.
3. 17 Sep 2025Utah prosecutors announce they will seek the death penalty against the accused.
4. 22 Sep 2025Trump speaks at memorial service at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
5. 1 Oct 2025Whanganui mayor regrets speaking at Kirk vigil after community backlash and online debate.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.