OREM, Utah — Unverified reports of a possible shooting at Utah Valley University (UVU) late Tuesday evening have fueled widespread concern, after social media posts claimed that conservative commentator Charlie Kirk may have been targeted during a campus event.
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As of this writing, no official confirmation has been issued by UVU, the Orem Police Department, or event organizers regarding whether a shooting occurred or whether any injuries were sustained.
Social Media Speculation
The speculation began with a series of posts from individuals who claimed to have relatives or acquaintances at the event. One widely circulated message, attributed to a student’s parent, stated: “My son was just at the Charlie Kirk event on UVU campus, said shots were fired. Kirk may have been shot. My son is running.”
Other posts escalated the rumors, including unverified claims that Kirk was struck in the face. A separate message, allegedly from an attendee’s acquaintance, reported: “A friend of my daughter’s is at the event at UVU for Charlie Kirk. He called and said there has been a shooting. He believes Charlie was hit.”
The rapid spread of these accounts on X (formerly Twitter) and other platforms created a storm of confusion, with the story quickly trending in political and local circles.
No Official Confirmation
Despite the online chatter, authorities have not verified that shots were fired or that Kirk was harmed. Witnesses near the campus reported seeing a police presence, with some students claiming entrances and exits were temporarily restricted while officers assessed the situation.
Security is typically heightened during high-profile events, and officials noted in past cases that disturbances or medical incidents can sometimes be misinterpreted as active threats, particularly in tense environments.
Call for Caution
Public safety experts urge caution in such situations, warning that misinformation can spread faster than facts during developing incidents. “In fast-moving scenarios, it’s important to wait for confirmation from law enforcement or official sources before sharing or acting on unverified claims,” officials have previously stressed in similar cases.
Community on Edge
For now, the UVU community remains unsettled as they await verified updates. Whether or not a shooting actually occurred, the rumors themselves have already generated fear and uncertainty, leaving many parents and students anxious.
Further clarity is expected in the coming hours, as UVU and local law enforcement agencies prepare formal statements. Until then, residents are encouraged to follow official communication channels and refrain from amplifying unconfirmed reports.