On a quiet morning in Orem, Utah – what many call “Happy Valley” – life at Utah Valley University changed in an instant. I was only a mile from campus when news broke: an active shooter. Sirens, panic, students running for safety – and then the unthinkable truth. Charlie Kirk had been murdered, in broad daylight, on a campus built on the belief that this could never happen here.
A Trauma-Informed Guide for Students, Families, and Communities
The Impact of Trauma on Our Communities
On an ordinary day in Orem, Utah, life at Utah Valley University (UVU) changed forever. For me, the moment hit close to home. I live just a mile from the UVU campus—on the very site where the tragic murder of Charlie Kirk took place.
That day, I had parked in a UVU lot, planning to get some work done while a client attended class. Within minutes, everything shifted. Students began running toward me, panicked and shouting that there was an active shooter. I rushed to pick up my client, helping him escape the chaos as police and sirens flooded the area.
Known as “Happy Valley” for its reputation as one of the safest, most family-friendly areas in Utah, the region now faces a tragedy that few could have imagined: a high-profile assassination in broad daylight, broadcast instantly to the world through phones and social media.
Whether on campus, in the surrounding community, or witnessing events unfold online, the emotional toll can feel equally immediate and profound. When Trauma Is Witnessed Through Online Screens
Charlie Kirk’s assassination, replayed across phones and feeds in graphic detail, is the most visible recent example of a disturbing trend: political shootings, school shootings, and acts of public violence that ripple far beyond their immediate location. These events show how trauma can strike even when we weren’t physically present.
Our brains often struggle to distinguish between physically experiencing trauma and vividly observing it through a screen—especially when footage is close-range, graphic, or shot from a point-of-view perspective. For many, the body reacts as if the threat were real: heart rate spikes, memories replay on a loop, and flashbacks intrude, creating an echo of lived experience even when the event was only seen secondhand.
Research supports this connection. Adolescents with high media exposure to violence, particularly those with sensitive stress responses, are more likely to show PTSD symptoms similar to those experienced by people who directly witnessed the event in person (PubMed). This highlights the importance of guiding young people—and adults alike—in managing their media exposure after events like this.Drawing on Insights from Trauma Therapist Karl Jensen, MA
To make sense of this tragedy—and others like the growing wave of political and school shootings—I turned to Karl Jensen, a trauma therapist with 32 years of experience, to help explain how violence impacts our minds and what we can do to heal. What follows draws upon a 90-minute conversation with him, offering guidance on the psychological effects of trauma, how social media amplifies violence, and the tools individuals and communities can use to recover.
This article is written for young adults, parents, friends, and anyone affected, whether directly or through the digital echo of the tragedy. The insights shared here aim to guide readers through understanding trauma and the steps they can take to begin their healing journey. Understanding Trauma: How Violence Affects the Mind
Trauma is more than just an emotional response—it’s a profound shift in how we see and experience the world. As Jensen explains, “Trauma blindsides the innocence of a human being and changes the blueprint.”
This “blueprint” refers to the way people typically view safety, trust, and meaning in their lives. Sudden, violent events disrupt that sense of stability, often leaving a lasting mark. Trauma impacts everyone differently, but for those who have witnessed or been exposed to it, the effects can feel equally overwhelming.The Role of Social Media: Amplifying Trauma
The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media
In the hours after Charlie Kirk’s assassination, social media became both a lifeline and a landmine—spreading connection, but also amplifying pain. While it allows for quick communication and support, it also spreads graphic content, misinformation, and polarizing opinions. Jensen notes that, “Social media ionizes trauma—it spreads in clicks and engagement, whether good or bad.”
Rather than helping individuals process pain, social media often keeps people stuck in a cycle of negativity, reducing complex emotional struggles into soundbites. The repeated viewing of violent images can deepen the trauma for those affected, even if they weren’t physically present at the event.
Setting Boundaries for Emotional Protection
Jensen advises limiting exposure to graphic or point-of-view videos. Constantly revisiting violent imagery retraumatizes individuals and exacerbates the emotional wounds of both direct and indirect witnesses. Establishing digital boundaries is a crucial step toward healin
Why Trauma Feels So Personal: The Emotional Stirring
Even if you never set foot on the UVU campus, Charlie Kirk’s murder may still feel like it happened to you. This is a common reaction not only to this tragedy but also to the broader rise in school and political violence, because trauma doesn’t always respect distance. A sound, a headline, or even scrolling past a video can stir profound emotions. As Jensen puts it, “It caused a stirring in your heart.”
These emotions—whether sadness, fear, anger, or helplessness—are not wrong. In fact, they’re a natural response to the overwhelming nature of such events. It’s important to remember that it’s normal to feel abnormal in the face of trauma.
The Pathway Toward Healing: A Three-Step Approach
Amid the chaos, healing is possible—and Jensen offers a three-step process to begin that journey:
- Identify the Reality of What Is:
Acknowledge the facts and the pain. Avoid minimizing or rationalizing the event. - Connect with the Reality of What Is:
Allow yourself to feel your emotions without judgment. Remember that feelings are not thoughts, and they don’t need to be fixed. - Subscribe to How You’re Going to Deal with Those Realities:
Make choices for coping, whether that means crying, walking, journaling, or reaching out for support.
Jensen notes that while the steps are simple, implementing them can be difficult—especially without a strong support system. This is where the role of family, friends, and professional counseling becomes essential.Practical Ways to Cope with Trauma
Alongside our innate intuition, there are practical steps anyone can take right now to begin coping with trauma. Jensen offers the following advice:
- Allow Emotional Expression: Don’t bottle up your emotions. Being heard is essential to healing, and sometimes, being a good listener is the best way to help someone else heal.
- Normalize Diverse Reactions: There’s no “right” or “wrong” way to feel. Anger, sadness, confusion, and numbness are all natural responses to trauma.
- Stay Anchored in the Present: Engage in grounding activities like walking, drawing, or talking to a friend. Redirecting energy into the present moment can help avoid destructive thoughts and behaviors.
- Seek Connection, Not Isolation: Trauma can make us want to isolate, but it’s important to talk to loved ones, join support groups, and stay connected. Reassurance and shared understanding can be incredibly healing.
- Limit Graphic Exposure: Set boundaries around consuming violent content. Avoid repeatedly watching or sharing graphic videos, as it can retraumatize you and others.
Cultural and Moral Shock: Grappling with Why It Happened
For many in “Happy Valley,” the hardest part is reconciling how such a brutal act could unfold in a place so deeply identified with family and safety. Many are asking: Why here? Why now?
Jensen reminds us that the reality of evil—however unsettling—must be acknowledged: “We deal with evil, and some of it is heinous; unfortunately, that’s a reality of our world we must come to accept.”
Acknowledging the harshness of this truth is an important step in the healing process. It’s not about rationalizing the cruelty but accepting it as part of the world we live in.
Supporting Students and Families: A Guide for Parents and Loved Ones
For students and families, the aftermath of such a tragedy can trigger feelings of insecurity, anxiety, or distrust. Young adults may be grappling with existential questions about safety, meaning, and justice. Parents may feel a deep sense of helplessness.
Here are some strategies for supporting loved ones during this time:
- Ask feelings-based questions: “How are you feeling?” rather than “What do you think?”
- Offer reassurance: “You’re not alone.”
- Be mindful when sharing facts—avoid speculation.
- Encourage seeking counseling, joining support groups, or using crisis lines.
Resources for Coping with Trauma
Need to speak with someone? You can contact the following Utah-based and national organizations:
- Utah Valley University Counseling – Free services for students, faculty, and staff.
- SafeUT Crisis Chat & Tip Line – 833-372-3388 or download the app.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – Dial 988 for immediate support.
- Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a counselor.
- HealthyChildren.org – Talking to children about tragedies.
Healing Through Connection and Understanding
The murder of Charlie Kirk has left wounds that extend well beyond Utah, adding to a growing national unease shaped by political shootings, school violence, and public attacks. While the event cannot be undone, our collective response—how we support one another and move toward healing—will determine whether this pain leads to division or resilience.
Jensen’s message is clear: “Identify the reality of what is. Connect with the reality of what is. Subscribe to how you’re going to deal with those realities.”
Healing is a difficult path, but it begins with connection, understanding, and support. “You’re important. I want to understand you.”Reach Out for Support and Resources
At Strive to Thrive Coaching, we’re here to help you navigate trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and the path toward personal growth and healing. Whether you’re seeking guidance, want to discuss available resources, or simply need someone to talk to, we’re here to provide support.
Feel free to reach out to Justin Levine for a free consultation, to discuss available resources, or to follow along for future content:
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We look forward to walking beside you on your journey to healing and personal growth.
Strive to Thrive Coaching provides coaching, mentorship, and wellness support. We do not diagnose, treat, or provide therapy for mental health conditions. Our services are not a substitute for licensed psychological or medical care.
