Witnesses Recall Chaos During Shooting at Charlie Kirk Debate

A shooting incident during a debate featuring right-wing activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on March 20, 2025, left witnesses in shock and fear. As students gathered for the event, a single shot disrupted the proceedings, leading to chaos in the amphitheatre.

Andrew Piskadlo, 28, from Salt Lake City, was positioned in the middle of the amphitheatre when the shot rang out shortly after noon. He described the moment as surprising, noting that attendees did not immediately drop to the ground. “People got down in waves,” he recounted in a phone interview. The debate was focused on the Eighth Amendment, and Kirk was answering questions about mass shootings when the incident occurred. Piskadlo, approximately 80 feet away from the stage, did not witness the shooting itself.

Another student, Brandon Russon, 24, who was seated about 20 feet from Kirk, vividly recalled the incident. “I just saw Charlie kind of slump backwards, and I saw – it was very graphic – I saw a lot of blood,” he said. In the immediate aftermath, students around him sought cover. Russon experienced a moment of confusion, initially questioning whether the shot was part of the event. “That lasted only about a second before I realised it was something very serious going on,” he explained. Concerned for his safety, he crouched on the ground for about a minute before texting his wife to express his love, then fled for safety.

The chaotic scene led to a swift response from those present. Isaac Davis, a junior at Utah Valley University, described the sound of the shot as not overly loud, likening it to a firecracker. He believed the shooter was not among the crowd. The atmosphere quickly shifted to one of hysteria, with students rushing indoors for safety. “I just didn’t want to be in the building while everything was going on, so I ran out of it,” Davis stated.

Piskadlo and Russon expressed concerns about the safety of the venue prior to the event. Despite a notable security presence, Piskadlo observed potential vulnerabilities in the amphitheatre’s design. “There were a lot of ledges, points where this could happen,” he said. “This seemed really preventable. I’m kind of angry at the organisers.”

The disturbing incident has raised questions about security measures at public events featuring divisive figures. As investigations continue, students and community members reflect on the impact of such violence on campus safety. The event, intended as a platform for debate and dialogue, has left a somber mark on those who attended.

This article is based on eyewitness accounts and information gathered from credible sources.