New Slow-Motion Video Raises Questions About How Shot Hit Charlie Kirk’s Neck
By [Reporter’s Name]
September 11, 2025
A newly circulated slow-motion video has fueled intense public scrutiny over how Charlie Kirk—a prominent conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA—was fatally shot during a speaking event at Utah Valley University. The footage appears to show a bullet striking his bulletproof vest and then deflecting into his neck, raising questions about the circumstances and trajectory of the shot.
What the Video Seems to Show
According to social media posts and accounts from people discussing the video, the slow-motion sequence captures the moment a projectile makes contact with what appears to be Kirk’s bulletproof vest. Immediately afterward, the video seems to show him clutching his neck, and blood is seen exiting from that area. These images, combined with witness statements about a shot’s impact and Kirk clutching his neck, have led some observers to interpret that the bullet may have ricocheted off his vest before causing the fatal wound.
One post, in a Facebook group, specifically describes this scenario: “New Slow Motion Video Appears To Show Bullet Ricocheting Off Charlie Kirk’s Bulletproof Vest & Into His Neck.” Facebook Meanwhile, mainstream media reports confirm that video footage shows Kirk bleeding heavily from a wound near his neck, immediately after a single gunshot rang out. WTOP News+1
Known and Confirmed Details
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Charlie Kirk was speaking at a “The American Comeback Tour” event hosted by his organization, Turning Point USA, at Utah Valley University when the shooting occurred. WTOP News+1
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The bullet struck his neck, causing major bleeding. WTOP News+1
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Witnesses reported the gunshot seemed to come from a distance, possibly from a rooftop some distance from the stage. ABC News+1
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The video showing bleeding and the reaction of Kirk and the crowd are corroborated by multiple sources. New York Post+3WTOP News+3ABC News+3
What Remains Unverified or Disputed
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It is not confirmed if the bullet truly struck the vest first and then deflected to the neck, or whether the wound penetrated through the vest with no ricochet.
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No forensic or ballistic analysis has been released to support the ricochet theory.
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The bulletproof vest’s type, coverage area, and level of protection are not publicly confirmed; it is unclear whether the vest would have been capable of stopping or deflecting a bullet of the type used.
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The precise location of shooter, angle of fire, distance, and kind of weapon remain under investigation. These details are critical to assess whether a ricochet is plausible.
Reactions and Context
The video’s release has stirred debate among both supporters and critics of Kirk. Some see the footage as proof of a tragic failure in security or protection, while others warn against drawing conclusions without full investigative results. Legal and ballistics experts emphasize that slow-motion video alone can be misleading, especially without context: lighting, frame rate, angle, and video quality all can distort perceptions of trajectories or timing.
Utah officials and law enforcement have stated they are examining all available evidence, including video and eyewitness reports, to determine how the shot was fired and exactly how the injury occurred. WTOP News
Why the Ricochet Hypothesis Matters
If the bullet did indeed ricochet off the vest before striking Kirk, several implications follow:
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Weapon Type and Ammunition: Some kinds of bullets are more prone to ricochet; knowing what type was used helps in reconstructing what happened.
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Vest Design and Protection Limits: Bulletproof vests have limitations—angle of incidence matters, coverage matters, and some vests are not rated for certain types of rounds.
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Shooter Location & Angle: A ricochet would suggest a path that intersects a hard surface or object that caused the deflection. Understanding this helps in determining shooter location and potential culpability.
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Legal and Security Ramifications: In investigations and possible prosecutions, whether a bullet hit directly vs. after deflection could affect forensic evidence and witness credibility. It could also influence how future events are secured.
Broader Implications
This incident is part of growing national concern about political violence, public safety at events, and the role of protective gear. In recent years, public speakers have increased their security measures; however, even bulletproof vests are not infallible, especially under unpredictable attack scenarios. The possibility that a bullet could bounce off protective gear and still cause a lethal injury underscores the unpredictability in these violent attacks.
What’s Next in the Investigation
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Official law enforcement agencies—local police, the university police, the FBI and ballistic experts—are expected to analyze the video footage, shell casings, and the vest involved.
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Autopsy reports will provide critical information about entrance wound, bullet trajectory, whether the vest was penetrated or simply hit, and the nature of the vest itself.
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Any surveillance or rooftop footage could help establish shooter position and line of sight.
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Witness testimony will be compared against video to piece together the sequence of events.
Conclusion
The slow-motion video purporting to show a bullet ricocheting off Charlie Kirk’s bulletproof vest before ending up in his neck has caught national attention, and for good reason. If accurate, it would be a rare but highly consequential example of the limitations of personal protective equipment combined with a violent act.
At this time, however, the ricochet claim remains unverified. The available video evidence is compelling but does not yet offer definitive proof. As investigations continue, the public awaits clear forensic and ballistic findings that can confirm or refute what the footage seems to suggest.
Whatever the final determination, the tragic loss of Charlie Kirk has raised urgent questions about security at public events, the adequacy of protective gear, and the deadly potential when ideology and violence collide.
