A fiery debate has erupted online after a post from social media user Andrea Junker resurfaced in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s fatal shooting. The post, originally shared on the Bluesky Skeets community and later circulated on Reddit, dismisses the notion of Kirk as a martyr or hero. Instead, it portrays him as a figure who, according to the post, “incited violence for years.”
A major political event turned into chaos when a single gunshot struck Charlie Kirk during a student gathering at a university in Orem, Utah. The incident happened in front of a large crowd as Kirk, 31, was answering questions from students as part of his speaking tour.
Let’s make one thing clear from the start: Charlie Kirk was the victim of a shooting in a country where he, along with other right-wing extremist influencers, have been inciting violence for years. — Kirk is neither a martyr nor a hero, he is a cause.
— Andrea Junker (@Strandjunker) September 10, 2025
Witnesses Describe the Moment of the Shooting
Fox News contributor Jason Chaffetz, who was present, said he saw the exact moment it happened. He explained that Kirk had been speaking from the main stage when the gunfire broke out. According to him, Kirk fell backward immediately after the shot was fired.
Chaffetz described the atmosphere before the shooting as calm but tense. He noted that students had been debating with Kirk on several social and political issues. Hundreds of people had gathered at the outdoor venue, and police presence was minimal. He said there were no bag checks or security screenings at the entrance, despite the large crowd.
The gunshot caused panic among those in attendance. Many rushed to the ground while others scrambled to find shelter. The situation was made worse because the crowd at the quad was estimated to be more than 2,000 strong.
Question on Transgender Shootings Preceded the Attack
The shooting took place immediately after a student asked Kirk about the number of transgender people involved in mass shootings in the United States over the last decade. The student asked the question through a microphone, while Kirk responded by saying “too many.”
The student pressed him further, asking for the actual number of mass shooters overall. Kirk lowered his microphone and appeared ready to continue the exchange. Less than a second later, a gunshot rang out, and he collapsed.
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Witnesses said the timing felt too close to be coincidental, as the shot came almost directly after the question. Chaffetz remarked that it appeared the shot had been fired in a deliberate manner.
The outdoor setting meant the sound of the gunshot echoed across the quad, leaving many confused about the direction it came from. Authorities later said the suspected gunman fired from a building nearly 200 yards away from the stage.
Police Response and Official Statements
University officials quickly confirmed that emergency services were called to the scene. Local police detained a person they believed to be the shooter, but officials later clarified that the individual was not responsible. As of now, no suspect has been taken into custody.
The FBI dispatched agents to assist local authorities in the investigation. Officials said the shooter remains unidentified and at large.
In the aftermath of the incident, President Donald Trump confirmed Kirk’s death in a statement shared on his social platform. He described Kirk as a voice who had connected deeply with young Americans and offered condolences to Kirk’s wife and children.
The event had already drawn controversy before the shooting. More than 800 students had signed a petition opposing Kirk’s visit to the campus. Despite the opposition, thousands attended the event to hear him speak.
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Chaffetz, who attended the gathering with his family, said the tragedy was unlike anything the community had ever experienced. He noted that while there was some police presence, security was not tight. He added that the lack of screening could have made it easier for the attack to happen.
University officials released a statement expressing sorrow over the incident and assured the public that law enforcement is continuing the search for the shooter. The statement also confirmed that campus activities would remain suspended until further notice.
Kirk, who leaves behind a wife and two young children, had been on his “American Comeback Tour” when the tragedy struck. The shooting has left both attendees and the wider public shaken, as details of the attack continue to emerge.
