Amid the fallout of Charlie Kirk’s murder, Utahns grapple with how to move forward — and come together.
(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) The flags at the Utah Capitol in Salt Lake City fly at half-staff following the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025.
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It was just after noon Wednesday when a single gunshot echoed across Utah Valley University’s campus, transforming a public college debate into a national tragedy.
The killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University made headlines worldwide, but its deepest impacts are being felt right here in Utah.
Now Utahns are grappling with what went wrong. A UVU professor blames administrators for ignoring student petitions against hosting Kirk, potentially putting students in danger, and botching the emergency response.
A Utah County resident feels that the shooting shattered “Happy Valley’s” sense of innocence and wants accountability for the law enforcement officials who were in charge.
But the deeper question raised by this terrible incident isn’t just about who is to blame or concerns about community safety. It’s about how we talk to each other in an increasingly divided time — and whether Utahns can model something better.
We want to hear from you. How has this tragic event impacted you and your community?
— Sam Morse, Newsletter Editor
Utah Voices
(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) A photo of Charlie Kirk is displayed during a vigil at the Utah Capitol in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, following the killing of the conservative activist at Utah Valley University.
We either believe in the value of human life, or we don’t
“I feel sick. It is sickening that Charlie Kirk, a nationally known political figure, came to Utah to speak and was shot and killed,” writes Rachel White. “I didn’t agree with much of Kirk’s politics, but I will never agree that it is OK to hurt or kill someone because I don’t think like they do. We either believe in fundamental civil rights, such as the freedom of speech, or we don’t.”
Tribune editorial: Death of Charlie Kirk diminishes us all
“If you didn’t know how you felt about the cold-blooded murder of a man who was speaking in a public forum Wednesday in Orem until you found out the political affiliation of the victim — or the shooter — then you are part of the problem,” wrote the Tribune editorial board. “Violence targeting people for their political views or activism is never acceptable. Yet, in America, it is becoming all too common.”
Share Your Perspective
(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) Gov. Spencer Cox speaks during a news conference following the shooting death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025.
In his address following Kirk’s assassination, Utah Governor Spencer Cox stated that “our nation is broken” before listing recent acts of national political violence experienced on both the right and left.
Historically, Cox has encouraged Utahns (and Americans) to “disagree better” and turn down the temperature of our civil discourse. But Wednesday’s events have torpedoed those pleas…
In light of the governor’s calls, what can we all do — as Utahns — to come together and heal our political divide?
From Bagley’s Desk
Pat Bagley | American is a Gun
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