“The Man Who Asked Charlie Kirk the Transgender Question Before He Was Shot Speaks Out”

 Hunter Kozak, a mathematics and education student at Utah Valley University, has broken his silence following the tragic shooting of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot during a public event at the university on September 10, 2025. 

Here’s what is known so far:

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What happened just before the shooting

During a “Prove Me Wrong” event at Utah Valley University, Hunter Kozak asked Charlie Kirk a question about the number of mass shootings committed by transgender Americans over the last ten years. 

Kirk replied, “Too many.” Then Kozak responded that he believed the number was around five. 

Kozak then asked Kirk how many mass shootings there had been in the U.S. in that same period. Kirk’s final reply, just before the gunfire, was: “Counting or not counting gang violence?” Seconds later, the shot was fired. 

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Who Hunter Kozak is & his response afterward

Kozak is 29 years old, studying mathematics and education. He is known to be a TikTok creator (username “@staxioms”) and part of what is called the “Unf—k America Tour,” an effort by liberal-leaning content creators to engage in debate and counter what they see as extreme rhetoric. 

He had previously criticized Kirk online for comments regarding transgender individuals and mass shootings. He said he attended the event to challenge Kirk over those comments. 

In a video posted after the shooting, Kozak described the past 24 hours as “rough.” He expressed sorrow and dismay, especially over the loss and for Kirk’s family. 

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Key messages he made after the tragedy

Kozak condemned violence and urged that no political disagreement should ever lead to violence. 

He emphasized that despite his disagreement with Kirk’s views, Kirk was still a human being, with a wife and two young children. 

Kozak also expressed concern about people celebrating Kirk’s death, calling such behavior “sick” and a mistake. 

He urged people to remain peaceful and to remember the humanity of others, even those with opposing political views. 

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Investigation status

As of the latest reports, no suspect has yet been arrested. The FBI has released images of a person of interest. 

Authorities are still gathering evidence and investigating the circumstances. 

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Why this is significant

The exchange highlights how heated and contentious discussions around transgender issues and mass shootings have become in U.S. politics.

It shows that even during disagreements, people often urge maintaining civility and humanity.

The tragic ending underlines the danger of political violence and the vulnerability of public figures at speaking events.