A Minnesota native and businessman who left the state after rising violence in Minneapolis says witnessing the assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University Wednesday was devastating and “woke something up in [him] that’s been quiet for too long.”
Jeff Svedahl told Alpha News he captured video in the aftermath of the deadly shooting and described the day as both heartbreaking and motivating.
“I was at the Charlie Kirk event today, and like so many others, I was shaken by what happened. It was devastating. We saw firsthand the kind of evil we’re up against, and it broke my heart,” Svedahl said.
He added that the experience stirred something deeper.
“But at the same time, it woke something up in me that’s been quiet for too long,” he continued. “For years, many of us have kept our heads down — working hard, staying quiet, hoping things might change. What happened today was a reminder that silence just isn’t an option anymore.”
Svedahl, who said he grew up Lutheran before falling away from the church for decades, called the moment a spiritual awakening.
“Recently, a lot of things have happened that have made me start to reconsider this, and I believe today was my personal turning point. I hope it was for a lot of people,” he said.
The shooting
Authorities say Kirk was shot in the neck shortly before 1:30 p.m. during a Utah college campus event attended by roughly 3,000 people.
Authorities said they have tracked the suspect’s movements as he entered the campus, climbed stairwells to a rooftop sniper position, fired, then fled into a neighborhood. A high-powered bolt-action rifle was later recovered in a nearby wooded area.
The Wall Street Journal reported that ammunition found inside the rifle contained engraved messages of transgender and antifascist ideology.
The FBI is offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to the suspect’s capture, who they describe as college-aged.
Authorities released photos showing a slender man in jeans, a long-sleeved black shirt with an American flag design, dark sunglasses, and a hat.
A familiar face to Alpha News
Just last month, Svedahl appeared on Liz Collin Reports to discuss how he lost millions after the George Floyd riots devastated his Minneapolis apartment business. After selling at a steep loss and relocating to Utah, he urged Minneapolis residents to get involved in city politics and vote for change.
Reflecting on Kirk’s death, Svedahl said he hopes Kirk’s legacy will inspire others to live with courage.
“Charlie has spent his life encouraging people to wake up and stand strong for what’s right. I honestly believe today will be remembered as the Turning Point that Charlie fought so hard for — the moment everyday Americans rise up, speak up, and refuse to back down,” said Svedahl.
“Out of sadness comes strength. Out of pain comes purpose. And I truly believe something powerful will come out of today.”
Jenna Gloeb
Jenna Gloeb is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist, media producer, public speaker, and screenwriter. Most recently, she worked as a reporter and on-air host for CCX Media. Jenna is a Minnesota native and resides in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, daughter, and two dogs.
