Hunter Kozak, a student at Utah Valley University, has shared his perspective after posing a question to Charlie Kirk moments before the conservative commentator’s tragic death. Charlie Kirk, aged 31, was a well-known figure in conservative circles, leading Turning Point USA as its co-founder. Renowned for his bold opinions and influential voice, Kirk was engaging with the audience during a public Q&A when a fatal shot struck him on September 10, 2025.
Kirk was addressing the crowd at Utah Valley University as part of his “American Comeback Tour” when a single shot echoed through the venue. The bullet, believed to have been fired from a rooftop nearby, hit Kirk in the neck. Chaos erupted among attendees, and despite swift response from emergency services, Kirk passed away due to his injuries. Authorities have yet to apprehend the shooter, though the FBI has shared surveillance footage showing a suspect escaping the scene, with a weapon discovered in a nearby wooded area.
The last individual to engage Kirk in conversation was Hunter Kozak, a student at the university. In a heartfelt Instagram video, Kozak opened up about the emotional toll of the past day, calling it a heart-wrenching experience. “I’m struggling to find the words for this video,” he said, reflecting on the profound impact of the tragedy.
Kozak had previously taken to social media to challenge Kirk, posting content that critiqued Kirk’s statements about transgender individuals, particularly regarding a suspected school shooter. During the event, Kozak asked Kirk to estimate the number of mass shooters in the past ten years who identified as transgender. Kirk responded, “Too many,” prompting applause from the crowd. Kozak followed up by inquiring about the overall number of mass shootings, and shortly afterward, the shot rang out.
In his video, Kozak unequivocally denounced the act of violence and expressed dismay at those who might celebrate the tragedy. He underscored the gravity of Kirk’s loss, offering condolences to Kirk’s wife and children while drawing on his own experiences as a husband and father.
This devastating event has sparked widespread discussions about public safety, the impact of heated rhetoric, and the state of political dialogue in the United States, leaving many to reflect on its broader implications.