OREM, Utah — In the days following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, the name of Skye Valadez — a transgender musician and artist from Ogden — has spread rapidly across social media, sparking intense speculation and controversy.
Law enforcement has not formally identified Valadez as a suspect. However, online investigators and commentators have pointed to her underground music projects and digital footprint, raising questions about whether her artistic work intersected with the political violence that shocked the nation.
The Shooting at UVU
On September 10, 2025, Charlie Kirk, 31, founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, was shot while delivering remarks during his “American Comeback Tour” on the Orem campus.
Authorities described the attack as a long-range, sniper-style shooting from approximately 200 yards away. The gunfire triggered chaos on campus as attendees ran for safety and police rushed to secure the scene.
The FBI later confirmed that a suspect was in custody, though no official identification or motive has been released.
Who Is Skye Valadez?
Valadez, who uses she/her pronouns, is a transgender artist in her early 20s known in the Ogden–Riverdale area for her involvement in politically charged underground music.
- Appearance: Older school records show her with glasses and long hair; more recent photos feature her in hoodies, baseball caps, and sunglasses.
- Online presence: She posts on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest under the handle @rainy_skye021, often sharing personal reflections and creative projects.
- Community ties: Linked to local music groups and art circles known for confrontational, anti-establishment themes.
Controversial Music Projects
Valadez’s work has received renewed scrutiny due to provocative song titles and lyrics that critics argue echo the violence carried out against Kirk.
- God’s Finest Scalpel: An underground band she has been associated with.
- Album — Death to American Scum: Features tracks targeting conservatism, Christianity, and far-right figures.
- Notable track: Charlie Kirk Dead at 31 — first uploaded to SoundCloud in March 2025, months before Kirk’s death.
- Other works: Songs like Charlie Kirk’s Death Isn’t Enough for Me fueled allegations that her art celebrated violence against conservatives.
While supporters frame her music as political protest art in line with underground traditions — where hyperbolic violence is often used satirically — critics say the timing and content appear far more sinister in retrospect.
Public Reaction
The connection between Valadez’s work and Kirk’s death has ignited fierce debate.
- Conservative voices argue the case underscores the dangers of radicalized rhetoric and art that “glorifies violence.”
- Defenders counter that her lyrics represent exaggerated performance art, not literal intent.
Some social media accounts tied to her artistic circle even celebrated Kirk’s killing, further fueling outrage and speculation.
Investigators Urge Caution
Despite the online firestorm, investigators have not confirmed that Valadez was directly involved in the shooting. The FBI has asked the public to avoid spreading misinformation while it works to verify leads.
Authorities have stated only that a person of interest was captured on surveillance near the scene and that tips are being reviewed as part of the broader investigation.
A Nation Divided
The killing of Charlie Kirk, a nationally recognized conservative commentator and activist, has sent shockwaves across the political spectrum. Supporters describe his death as an attack on free speech and conservative values, while critics of his politics warn against using the tragedy to stifle artistic or political expression.
For now, Skye Valadez remains a flashpoint — a figure caught between the world of underground protest art and the very real violence that claimed the life of one of America’s most polarizing young political voices.