When the news broke on September 10, 2025, that Charlie Kirk had been shot during an event at Utah Valley University (UVU), the internet basically went into a tailspin. Within minutes, grainy cell phone footage was everywhere. You’ve probably seen the clips or heard the rumors. But amidst the chaos of that afternoon in Orem, one specific question started trending: was charlie kirks kids at the shooting alongside him?
It’s a heavy question. Politics aside, the idea of children witnessing that kind of violence is gut-wrenching. There was a lot of conflicting info floating around TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) in the hours following the assassination. Some people claimed his whole family was front row. Others said they weren't even in the state.
Let's look at what we actually know from the official reports and the witnesses who were on the ground at UVU.
The Orem Incident: A Timeline of the Day
Charlie Kirk was in Utah as part of his "American Comeback Tour." It was a classic Turning Point USA setup: an outdoor "Prove Me Wrong" table, a microphone, and a crowd of about 3,000 students and supporters. Everything seemed normal until 12:23 p.m. MDT.
A single shot rang out.
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According to the FBI and local law enforcement, the shooter was positioned on the roof of the Losee Center, roughly 140 yards away. Kirk was hit in the neck while answering a question from the audience. The scene was pure pandemonium. People were diving for cover, chairs were flying, and security was scrambling to get Kirk to a vehicle.
Where was Erika Frantzve and the children?
The most reliable reports, including a heart-wrenching confirmation from Utah Governor Spencer Cox, mentioned that Kirk’s wife, Erika, and their two young children were indeed part of his life on the road. However, there is a distinction between being "on tour" and being "on stage."
While some viral YouTube titles claimed "Wife and Children Witnessed Shooting," the reality at the immediate crime scene was slightly different. According to security sources and event organizers, Erika and the kids were generally kept in a secured "green room" area or a separate vehicle during the actual speaking portions of these campus events for safety and privacy reasons.
Governor Cox’s statement later that day specifically said, "We are praying for Charlie's wife, daughter, and son." This confirmed they were in Utah, but most tactical reports suggest they were not in the direct line of fire or standing next to him at the "Prove Me Wrong" table when the shot was fired.
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Misinformation and the "Witness" Videos
One reason people kept asking "was charlie kirks kids at the shooting" is because of how the media covered it. Some local news interviews featured other parents who had brought their children to the event. For example, a woman named Deanna Holland was at the event with three of her kids, and another witness told NBC News she was "grateful her kids didn't come."
These stories often got mashed together in the social media meat-grinder.
- Viral Clips: A video of Kirk’s daughter running into his arms on Fox & Friends resurfaced and was shared as if it happened right before the shooting. It didn't. That was weeks prior.
- The Crowd: Many families were in attendance. When witnesses spoke about "my kids being there," some viewers mistakenly thought they were talking about Kirk’s children.
- The Tragedy: Regardless of their physical proximity to the stage, the trauma for his family is absolute. Kirk was only 31.
What Security Experts Say About the Setup
The aftermath of the shooting sparked a massive debate about security protocols for public figures. James Hamilton, a former FBI close protection expert, noted that the Butler, PA incident involving Donald Trump in 2024 should have been a wake-up call.
The UVU event was outdoors. It had rooftop exposure. There were no metal detectors.
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Honestly, it’s a miracle more people weren't hurt. The shooter, who was later seen jumping from the roof and fleeing into a wooded area, had a clear line of sight. If Kirk’s children had been on stage with him, the tragedy could have been even more unspeakable. Security teams usually insist that family members stay in a "hardened" location during the actual speech precisely because of the "sniper" risk that has unfortunately become a reality in American politics.
The Aftermath for the Kirk Family
Charlie Kirk was pronounced dead at Timpanogos Regional Hospital. Since then, the focus has shifted to the investigation and the support for his young family. Erika Frantzve has largely remained out of the public eye to grieve and protect their children.
Vigils were held in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Orem, Utah. Friends of the family, like John Yep of Catholics for Catholics, have spoken about ensuring the kids grow up knowing their father's legacy.
What You Can Do Now
The conversation around this event is still very active and often filled with heated rhetoric. If you are looking for ways to stay informed or help, here is the best path forward:
- Stick to Primary Sources: Follow official FBI updates regarding the investigation (Case: Utah Valley University Shooting, Sept 10, 2025).
- Vet Your Media: Be wary of "breaking news" videos on YouTube with clickbait titles about the family. They often use old footage to farm views.
- Support Civility: Regardless of your stance on Turning Point USA, the consensus from leaders across the aisle—including Governor Spencer Cox—is that political violence has no place in the country.
The investigation into the security failures at UVU is ongoing, and more details about the shooter's motives and the family's exact location at the time of the shot may be released in the coming months.