Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University. A single shot struck him in the neck while he was answering questions about gun violence, leading to his death at a local hospital. Authorities believe the shooter fired from the rooftop of a nearby building before fleeing the scene. The FBI has released photos of a suspect and is offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. Utah’s governor described the attack as a “political assassination.”

The suspected shooter has been identified as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, a Utah native. While the motive remains unclear, if convicted, Robinson could face the death penalty. Utah still permits two methods of execution: lethal injection, which is mandatory, and firing squad as a backup option if the required drugs are unavailable. The last execution in the state took place in August 2024, costing nearly $300,000, most of which went toward purchasing the lethal injection drug.

Simulations suggest the shooter had a clear line of sight from the university’s Losee Center rooftop. Evidence collected includes shoe prints and palm imprints, while the weapon, described as a high-powered rifle, was later found in a nearby wooded area. Photos of a person running across the rooftop were also released to help identify the suspect.

Following the tragedy, former President Donald Trump and other political figures expressed grief and outrage. Crowds at the event were left shocked, with many scattering in fear after the shot rang out. Investigators continue their search, confirming the attack was a targeted act. If the suspect is sentenced to death, execution would be carried out by lethal injection unless the state cannot obtain the drug in time, in which case a firing squad would be used.