Utah investigators are reviewing viral footage that appears to show a bearded man cheering moments after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.
The video, shared widely on social media, shows a young man in a black T-shirt and backward baseball cap pumping his fists and shouting “USA, USA, USA” just after the gunfire. Witnesses said most of the crowd dropped to the ground as the 31-year-old commentator was struck in the neck during a live Q&A session. The bearded man remained standing and looked toward the direction of the shot.
“This guy cheered after Charlie Kirk was assassinated. I have no words left,” one user posted on X. Others questioned whether he somehow knew the shooter’s location. The Utah County Sheriff’s Department confirmed it has received multiple tips about the clip and is analyzing the footage (Reuters).
Social Media Claim
An X account later claimed to belong to the man in the video. In a post, the user—identifying himself only as David—insisted he meant no harm and said he reacted to draw attention so security personnel could escape. “There is a lot of rage directed at me but I promise you’ll understand when I speak,” he wrote. The account follows several conservative commentators, including psychologist Jordan Peterson, but investigators have not verified the identity or the explanation.
Investigation Continues
Charlie Kirk, a father of two, was pronounced dead at Timpanogos Regional Hospital shortly after the attack. Federal and local law enforcement continue to search for the shooter and have urged the public to provide any information (FBI). Authorities have not released a motive and caution that unverified online claims should not be treated as fact while the investigation remains active.
Disclosure: We may earn a commission when you make a purchase through the ads.