Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
“The Turning Point USA founder was struck in the neck by gunfire while delivering remarks at a university event.”
Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and a leading figure in the conservative movement, was fatally shot on Wednesday while speaking at Utah Valley University. He was 31.
Turning Point USA COO Justin Streiff confirmed the news in a message to staff, writing: “It is with a heavy heart that the Turning Point USA leadership team informs you that earlier this afternoon Charlie went to his eternal reward with Jesus Christ in Heaven.”
Former President Donald Trump also issued a statement, calling Kirk a “legendary” figure. “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or connected with the youth of America better than Charlie,” Trump wrote. “He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me… Melania and my sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika and their family. Charlie, we love you!”
The shooting occurred as Kirk was fielding audience questions. Witnesses say he was struck in the neck only moments after responding to a question about mass shootings, with his final words reported as “gang violence.”
Authorities have not yet identified the shooter. According to The New York Times, a person initially detained after the incident was later cleared of involvement. “The police have determined that a person who was taken into custody after the shooting was not actually the shooter,” university spokesman Scott Trotter told the outlet.
Kirk is survived by his wife, Erika, and their two children.
Raised in suburban Chicago, Kirk became politically active while still in high school. An Eagle Scout, he launched Turning Point USA in 2012 at age 18 with the aim of creating a conservative grassroots network to rival progressive groups. Over the next decade, TPUSA expanded into more than 800 campus chapters nationwide, later branching into organizations such as TPUSA Action, Students for Trump, and TPUSA Faith.
A devout evangelical Christian, Kirk frequently emphasized faith as central to both his life and his vision of America. His political influence grew steadily; he endorsed Trump at the 2016 Republican National Convention, campaigned for him in subsequent elections, and was widely credited with mobilizing Gen Z support for Trump’s successful 2024 run. In March 2025, Trump appointed him to the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors, while also seeking his counsel on personnel and policy matters.
Beyond activism, Kirk was a prolific author and commentator. He wrote five books, including Right Wing Revolution: How to Beat the Woke and Save the West, and hosted The Charlie Kirk Show, a daily talk radio program.
Following his death, tributes poured in from lawmakers, White House officials, and supporters across the country. Many remembered him not only as a political strategist but as an inspiration to a generation of young conservatives.
As Kirk once wrote: “If you believe in something, you need to have the courage to fight for those ideas — not run away from them or try and silence them.”
