Charlie Kirk 's shooting almost didn't seem real at first to one attendee ... who was in line to ask the conservative commentator a question when he was shot through the neck.

We spoke with Robert Carpenter , who went to the event Wednesday specifically to debate Kirk. Robert's not a Utah Valley University student ... he does on-the-street interviews with people -- and likes to ask UVU attendees questions when he's in town. Play video content

Carpenter says he and his buddy gave a woman in line $40 to cut her ... and, they were around fifth or sixth in line to ask a question.

However, while Charlie was debating the second person in line, Carpenter says he heard a shot ring out. He didn't think much of it -- at first, not believing it could be real -- until he saw the blood pouring

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