In a shocking act of violence that has sent shockwaves through conservative circles and beyond, Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk was shot near the neck on Wednesday afternoon during a live student Q&A session at Utah Valley University (UVU), eyewitnesses reported.

The incident, which unfolded around 12 p.m. local time, prompted an immediate campus-wide evacuation and turned a routine campus debate into a scene of pandemonium, with screams echoing across the UVU courtyard as gunfire erupted.

Bystander accounts, corroborated by local reporters and social media videos, describe Kirk seated at his signature "Prove Me Wrong" table, part of his "American Comeback Tour," when shots rang out.

"He fell from his chair instantly," one attendee posted on X, sharing footage of the crowd scattering in terror.

Blood was visible near Kirk's neck, according to multiple witnesses, including a local TV reporter who was on site.

Kirk, 31, a prominent conservative voice with millions of followers, had just minutes earlier hyped the event on X: "WE. ARE. SO. BACK. Utah Valley University is FIRED UP and READY for the first stop back on the American Comeback Tour," he wrote at 2:23 p.m. EST.

The shooting occurred amid heightened tensions over Kirk's visit, which had already sparked protests and petitions from students decrying his views on issues like free speech and campus inclusivity.

UVU, a public institution in this deep-red state, affirmed its commitment to First Amendment rights in statements leading up to the event, but the violence marks a grim escalation.

No suspect has been identified, and authorities have not released details on Kirk's condition, though prayers poured in from allies.

The campus lockdown was lifted after a sweep, but the university urged students to avoid the area.

U.S. Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), monitoring the situation closely, posted on X: "I am tracking the situation at Utah Valley University closely. Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk and the students gathered there."

Conservative commentator Candace Owens echoed the call: "Everyone please stop what you are doing and pray for Charlie Kirk. Please."

Daily Wire host Michael Knowles added simply: "Pray for Charlie Kirk."Local sources, including Deseret News and KUTV, confirmed the gunfire, but official statements from law enforcement remain sparse as the investigation unfolds.

This is a developing story; updates will follow as more details emerge.