OREM, Utah (ABC4) — 911 calls from the scene of the Charlie Kirk shooting showed the panic that filled the Utah Valley University campus.
One caller frantically explained to dispatch that Kirk had been shot while speaking to a large crowd on campus.
“The Kirk speaker at UVU just got shot in the head,” the caller said. “He just got shot in the middle of his speech.”
The caller continued, explaining that they were no longer on scene and had run to a parking lot. They said that they were looking for their car.
“Everybody’s running. The whole UVU is running. He just got shot,” the caller said.
The caller also said that there were people around Kirk when he got shot, and that he was surrounded by the audience. The caller did not see the shooter.
“I didn’t see who. I’m just telling you so you can get emergency services here,” the caller said.
The dispatch let the caller go after assuring them that there was help on the way.
Another dispatcher asked another caller, “Are you able to leave and safely go to your vehicle?” to which they replied, “There is a big crowd and I’m trying. I am trying to find my wife too.”
The caller also reported that “there was just one shot” fired, adding that “I don’t think anyone was injured except him.” Another caller described the situation saying, “everyone is running” and “a famous speaker was shot in the head”.
Another call came in from the Fishbowl Computer Lab at UVU.
The caller said that there was about 30-40 people in the lab, and that one person was armed and helping the group. No one in the lab was injured.
Another caller reported to a dispatcher that there was one shot fired and the whole crowd dispersed.
“I heard the direction of the shot, and something fall down from the railing. I initially thought it could have been a firecracker, but then people around me told me they saw somebody get shot,” the caller said.
Another call came in from someone at a bus stop on campus. They told the dispatcher that they were not in a safe area, but that no one around them was hurt.
Contrary to other callers, this caller told the dispatcher that they heard about four shots fired. However, it has since been confirmed that there was only one shot fired.
“He got rushed off in an SUV, a black SUV. He got shot right in the neck, so I don’t think he has long,” another caller reported to a dispatcher.
Additionally, people that were not on scene called to report the shooting after hearing about it from family members and friends.
Gov. Cox gives message to students
Following the shooting, Gov. Spencer Cox gave a message to students throughout Utah.
“I know this past week has been incredibly tough. We’ve all felt the weight of anger, fear, and loss,” Cox said.
The governor said that students have the power to change how politics are discussed in the world.
“Right now, it might feel like rage is the only language in our politics,” Cox said. “But you have the power to choose differently.”
Cox said that students can talk to people they disagree with and listen to and forgive others, even when it feels impossible. He said that campuses should be places with the free exchange of ideas.
Cox also challenged students to spend less time online.
“Put down your phone. Read something that lifts your spirit. Go outside. Laugh with your friends. Serve your neighbors,” Cox said. “Remember, what happens online is not real life.”
The governor told students that they can choose humanity, connection, and love to create a change.
Who was Charlie Kirk?
Kirk was a conservative activist and the creator of Turning Point USA. He was shot and killed on Sept. 11 while speaking at an event on Utah Valley University campus.
The suspect, Tyler Robinson, was arrested on the evening of Sept. 11 in Washington County, UT. His initial appearance is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 16. The hearing will be virtual, and Robinson will appear remotely.
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