Eyewitnesses Amy and Jeremy King Describe the Shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University
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Eyewitnesses Amy and Jeremy King Describe the Shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University
Amy and Jeremy King were seated just 20 feet from Charlie Kirk when shots rang out during a Q&A session. Jeremy describes following Kirk into the venue and the terrifying moment of uncertainty when they didn't know if more shots would follow. Amy, who was looking directly at Kirk when he was shot in the neck, recounts the immediate chaos as his security team swarmed and evacuated him within seconds. Both witnesses share their concerns about security protocols at political events and Amy's plea that violence is never the answer, regardless of political disagreements.
Amy and Jeremy King arrived at the event shortly after Charlie Kirk and were seated approximately 20 feet from the stage when the shooting occurred. Jeremy describes following about 50 feet behind Kirk as they entered the venue, walking up the stairway, through the hall corridor, out a door, and down to the front row seats.
The shooting happened roughly 10 minutes into the Q&A session, during only the second question of the night. The couple had been excited for the debate and were interested in hearing discussion on the subjects being addressed. Jeremy recalls hearing a pop and taking a moment to realize it was gunfire. The immediate uncertainty about whether additional shots would follow created the most terrifying moments of the entire ordeal.
The Moment of Impact
Amy was looking directly at Charlie Kirk when she heard the shot come from her right side. She immediately saw him fall backward. While Amy initially froze in shock, Jeremy stood over her and then pushed her down to safety, telling her to get down. Amy's phone was still recording, and the video captured her voice saying, "Oh my gosh, they shot him. They shot him."
Amy reflects on the stark difference between seeing such events on television versus experiencing them firsthand. The reality of witnessing a shooting in person carries a completely different weight than watching coverage from home.
Immediate Security Response
Kirk's bodyguard and security team responded within seconds of the shooting. Amy reports that approximately five or six men swarmed Kirk immediately, grabbed him, and rushed him to his SUV. The Kings' closest exit happened to be directly behind where Kirk was positioned, which is why they followed closely behind the security evacuation.
Amy saw Kirk fall back after being shot in the neck but did not see his hand go up as some reports described. The security team's swift response and evacuation happened so quickly that many details of those immediate moments remain fragmented in witness accounts.
Security Concerns and Questions
In the hours following the shooting, Jeremy and Amy, along with other attendees, found themselves grappling with serious questions about security protocols at political events. Their initial concern during the chaos was whether this was a mass shooting event, as they couldn't immediately determine where the shooter was located.
Later viewing video footage showing the shooter on a rooftop prompted Jeremy to question how such events can be secured moving forward. He points out the challenge of canvassing such large areas, noting the numerous rooftops, glass windows, and countless locations where someone could hide while waiting for an opportunity to take a shot.
Both witnesses expressed surprise at the apparent lack of perimeter security and rooftop guards. Jeremy emphasizes that given Kirk's prominence, large following, and controversial status, there should have been more extensive security measures beyond his immediate detail and crowd control.
The Future of Political Gatherings
The shooting raises fundamental questions about whether political gatherings need to be restructured. Jeremy wonders if events should move indoors, though he acknowledges the challenge of accommodating the large crowds that figures like Kirk can draw. He questions whether technology such as drones or AI could help create safer environments, or whether security protocols simply need to be reimagined entirely.
The couple discusses various theories circulating among attendees in the aftermath, though Jeremy cautions it's too early to draw definitive conclusions about what happened and why.
A Mother's Plea Against Violence
Amy, a mother of several young children, offers a powerful reflection on the state of political discourse and the world her children are inheriting. She stresses that regardless of political affiliation, violence is never the answer to disagreement.
She notes that the world her children are growing up in is completely different from the one she experienced in her own childhood. Amy emphasizes the critical importance of teaching young people—children and teenagers alike—that violence cannot be used to resolve differences of opinion.
Her message is one of respectful disagreement: people should be able to listen to others with whom they disagree, keep an open ear, and if they still disagree, do so quietly and respectfully. Amy clarifies that she doesn't align with any particular political side; rather, she wants open discussion to be possible while maintaining the firm principle that violence can never be an acceptable solution to any problem.
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