CNN’s Van Jones shares Charlie Kirk’s final private message before assassination

On Wednesday, September 10, Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk was fatally shot while moderating a debate at Utah Valley University. Around 3,000 people were in attendance when a bullet struck him in the neck, triggering chaos as the crowd ducked for cover and fled.

Deseret News reporter Emma Pitts, who was present, described the panic: “We all fell to the ground… and then everyone around us got up and ran.”

Police quickly apprehended Tyler Robinson, 22, of Utah. He is accused of firing the shot from a rooftop nearly 200 yards away.

Robinson now faces charges of aggravated murder, felony firearm discharge, violent crime in front of a child, and multiple counts of obstruction and witness tampering. Prosecutors confirmed they will pursue the death penalty.

Videos of the shooting spread online, showing Kirk collapsing as blood streamed from his wound. Some viewers speculated his final movements suggested “decorticate posturing,” a sign of brain trauma.

Neuropsychologist Derek Van Schaik reviewed the footage and disputed that claim. He explained Kirk’s arm movement was not brain damage but an instinctive defensive reaction, similar to flinching when startled.

Using digital timers, Van Schaik determined Kirk remained conscious for no longer than four-tenths of a second after being shot. He concluded Kirk had no time to experience pain or fear, saying, “It was neurologically impossible for him to know what had happened; he just blacked out.”