On Wednesday, Sept. 10, Charlie Kirk, 31, conservative political activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), was shot and killed at an event at Utah Valley University. He is survived by his wife and two young children.
Born on Oct. 14, 1993, in Arlington Heights, Illinois, Kirk emerged as a prominent conservative political leader. He briefly attended Harper College before dropping out to dedicate his time to his political activism.
At just 18 years old, he co-founded Turning Point USA alongside Bill Montgomery, and later served as its executive director. TPUSA grew to have a presence on thousands of high school and college campuses, becoming the largest youth-oriented conservative organization in the United States.
He spearheaded affiliated entities including Turning Point Action (founded in 2019), Turning Point Faith, and Turning Point Endowment, expanding his influence into political advocacy and religious outreach.
Kirk was also a popular media personality, hosting The Charlie Kirk Show, a podcast and nationally syndicated radio show. He also appeared frequently on major news networks, and published several best-selling books.
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He has been recognized on Forbes “30 Under 30” (Law & Policy) list and gained prominence speaking at the 2016 and 2020 Republican National Conventions.
Kirk was a staunch supporter of Donald Trump throughout his political career, campaigning heavily for his causes, often challenging topics like critical race theory and climate change.
Hearts break
Kirk’s death was confirmed following a post by the President of the United States, Donald Trump.
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family,” the president wrote, adding, “Charlie, we love you!”
Trump has ordered American flags lowered to half-staff until September 14.
Upon hearing of Kirk’s death, Secretary John F. Kennedy posted to the X platform, “Once again, a bullet has silenced the most eloquent truth teller of an era. My dear friend Charlie Kirk was our country’s relentless and courageous crusader for free speech. We pray for Erika and the children. Charlie is already in paradise with the angels.”
Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) said he and his wife were “devastated” and heartbroken” after hearing the news of Kirk’s death.
“Heidi and I are devastated and heartbroken. Charlie Kirk’s murder was an act of unspeakable evil. Charlie was a close friend; we first met when he was just 18, and Turning Point was a nascent idea,” Cruz wrote, adding, “Charlie was courageous, brilliant, compassionate, and powerfully honest. He was a strong Christian who boldly proclaimed the Gospel. Charlie loved our country deeply, and we will forever remember him and honor his legacy.”
Department of Justice investigating
Shortly after news of the shooting broke, FBI director, Kash Patel, said that a federal investigation will follow.
“Our thoughts are with Charlie, his loved ones, and everyone affected,” Patel said moments after the shooting. “Agents will be on the scene quickly and the FBI stands in full support of the ongoing response and investigation.”
The Utah Valley University campus was immediately closed, classes were cancelled, and everyone on campus was instructed to leave the university “immediately,” a university announcement said.
Utah’s Governor, Spencer Cox, said he has been in touch with President Trump and is being briefed by law enforcement.
“Those responsible will be held fully accountable. Violence has no place in our public life. Americans of every political persuasion must unite in condemning this act. Our prayers are with Charlie, his family, and all those affected,” Cox said according to the Independent.
At the time of the shooting, Kirk was addressing a large crowd at the university, situated approximately 35 miles from Salt Lake City.
Surrounded by students and others, he was sitting under a tent with the words, “American Comeback” written on it in a courtyard adjacent to the student center.
In the middle of answering a question about “transgender shooters” a shot rang out. Multiple videos circulating online show Kirk was hit in the neck, and fell to his left.
According to the Independent, Former Arizona congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who was targeted for assassination in 2011, said she was “horrified” to hear of the shooting.
“Democratic societies will always have political disagreement, but we must never allow America to become a country that confronts those disagreements with violence.
“There is no place in our country for this kind of violence,” former president Joe Biden commented following the shooting. “It must end now.”
