Daily Business Report: Friday, September 12, 2025
Reactions to the shooting death of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk
By Tom Jones | Poyter News
In a horrific act caught on video, Charlie Kirk — right-wing influencer, daily talk show host, ally of President Donald Trump and the leader of Turning Point USA, the nation’s powerful right-wing youth activist organization — was shot and killed Wednesday during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
Shortly after the shooting, Kirk was pronounced dead. He was 31.
Sitting on a stage covered by a tent, Kirk was about 20 minutes into his event on Wednesday afternoon when he appeared to be shot at least once, in the neck. Cellphone videos from those at the outdoor event captured the moment it happened, including one that was very graphic. After the popping sound of gunfire, Kirk’s body went limp and spectators began screaming and running.
Initially, there were reports that a suspect was taken into custody, but those reports turned out to be false. On Wednesday evening, authorities said a person of interest was in custody and being interviewed, but reports are that person was released.
Charlie Kirk died as he lived: Bold, unashamed and anchored in faith
By Jack Posoblec | Fox News
On Sept. 10, America lost a warrior, and a family lost their father.
Charlie Kirk, my brother, a man who stood tall with his feet firmly planted and a microphone in his hand, was taken from us at Utah Valley University while proclaiming truth. He did not flinch. He did not waver. He did not run. He died as he lived, bold, steadfast and unashamed of the Gospel and the truth.
When America needed a hero, God sent us Charlie Kirk. Without Charlie, there is no youth movement, no President Donald Trump, no Vice President JD Vance. But no matter how big Charlie got, he was always kind and generous to everyone. He would make a nobody feel like a somebody when he listened to every person who wanted to talk.
Graphic video of Charlie Kirk’s death spreads fast, showing traditional media’s fading grip
By David Bauder | AP News
They were careful with the explicit imagery — as usual. But did it make any difference?
Traditional news organizations were cautious in their midafternoon coverage of Charlie Kirk’s assassination Wednesday not to depict the moment he was shot, instead showing video of him tossing a hat to his audience moments before, and panicked onlookers scattering wildly in the moments after.
In practical terms, though, it mattered little. Gory video of the shooting was available almost instantly online, from several angles, in slow-motion and real-time speed. Millions of people watched.
