Police Dispatch Audio Reveals What Happened After Charlie Kirk’s Fatal Shooting
In the harrowing moments after gunfire rang out at Utah Valley University, frantic radio traffic revealed the confusion, terror, and desperate race to save a life. Dispatchers, callers, and officers painted a chilling real-time picture of the chaotic attack that left Charlie Kirk fatally wounded.
On Thursday, Utah officials released county dispatch audio from the previous day, September 10, 2025, capturing the law enforcement response to the attack in Orem. The tapes reveal the confusion and dread as officers scrambled to locate the gunman and save the victim.
Charlie Kirk appears at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025 in Orem | Source: Getty Images
In those calls, dispatchers urgently warned officers of an “active shooter” after multiple reports of gunfire near the crowded campus library. One breathless caller described the suspect in stark terms — jeans, a black shirt, a black mask, and a rifle.
But just as officers scrambled, another chilling report came in: the gunman was spotted on top of a building east of the library, this time described as wearing a black vest. Dispatch would later confirm what so many feared — only one victim: Charlie Kirk.
“UVU [unintelligible] report of one individual that was shot. Unknown where the shooter went,” a dispatcher announced. “Units, be advised: UVU in Orem has had an active shooter at the Charlie Kirk event. We’re getting several calls, we’re trying to get more information.”
Seconds later came another desperate warning: “Gunshots heard near the library at UVU. They’re trying to lock the library down now. Still gathering.”
A caller’s voice brought terrifying clarity: “The [unintelligible] building is just east of the library. He’s wearing jeans, black shirt, black mask, long rifle.”
The dispatcher relayed another sighting, heightening the confusion: “He is on top of the building on the far north side just east of the library, wearing jeans, black shirt, black vest.”
People run after shots were fired during an appearance by Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025 in Orem | Source: Getty Images
An officer responded firmly: “To UVU, there was one shot. We are staging at the front of the school by the roundabout.”
Moments later, another voice confirmed: “We do have officers following the victim to Timpanogos Hospital. 418 copy. How many injured do we have?”
The dispatcher’s chilling reply cut through: “Just one person.”
Former Utah congressman Jason Chaffetz, who had been attending the event with family, revealed there were over 2,000 people gathered in a large open forum to hear Kirk speak.
The discussion began with an exchange about religion before pivoting to a controversial question on transgender mass shooters. Then a shot rang out — and Kirk collapsed.
“I happened to be watching Charlie. I can’t say I saw blood. I can’t say I saw him get shot, but as soon as that shot went out, he fell back and to his left, and everybody hit the deck. A lot of people started screaming. And then everybody started running, as you might expect,” Chaffetz recalled. He added that while police were present, there were no entry security checks.
Hours later, investigators located a rifle abandoned in a wooded area near campus. A preliminary bulletin from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives revealed engraved markings on a spent cartridge and three chambered rounds.
