Utah Valley Student Who Questioned Charlie Kirk on Gun Violence Struggles With His Passing

Hunter Kozak, the individual who last engaged with Charlie Kirk before his unexpected demise, has shared his thoughts publicly. On Thursday, September 11, the Utah Valley University student uploaded a video to his social media platforms, reflecting on the deadly event and its aftermath, labeling Kirk’s death a “heartbreaking loss.”

Kozak had been challenging the conservative commentator on gun violence issues during a session on Wednesday, September 10, when Kirk was fatally shot mid-response. Kirk was 31 years old. “I’m struggling to put this video together. The past 24 hours have been tough,” Kozak expressed in the TikTok recording.

Charlie Kirk Shooting Death Investigation: Latest Developments Related: Charlie Kirk Shooting Death Investigation: Latest Updates Though Kozak admitted to holding strong opposing views to many of Kirk’s opinions, he denounced the shooter’s actions and the responses of some following the Turning Point USA founder’s death. “To those twisted individuals who think this justifies anything, you’re wrong. I don’t have more words for it,” Kozak stated.

He described Kirk’s manner of death as “devastating,” noting, “Charlie left behind two children and a spouse, and not to shift focus to myself, but I also have a family—two kids and a wife.” He went on: “It’s a tragedy, and it’s challenging to process. My community is also finding it hard to come to terms with this right now.”

Reaffirming his lack of support for Kirk, Kozak stressed the injustice of the murder. “Despite my deep disagreements with Charlie Kirk—well-documented disagreements—he was still a person. Have we lost sight of that?” he added.

The hunt for Kirk’s assailant persists. On Thursday, the FBI and Utah officials released fresh video and images of a suspect thought to be linked to the shooting.

During a Thursday night press conference, footage was shown of the suspect escaping, captured running across a rooftop from where the lethal shot originated.

The suspect was dressed in a notable black T-shirt adorned with an American flag and eagle design, paired with black pants, a baseball cap featuring a triangle, sunglasses, and what appear to be Converse sneakers.

“We need the public’s assistance to identify this person of interest tied to Charlie Kirk’s fatal shooting at Utah Valley University. Call 1-800-CALL-FBI,” an X post stated.

Officials urge anyone with tips or useful details to contact the FBI or submit photos and videos via an online portal.