Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent conservative activist, was killed Wednesday while delivering a speech at Utah Valley University.
Charlie Kirk Murdered at Utah Valley University Event
Turning Point USA Chief Operating Officer Justin Streiff confirmed the news in an internal email to staff.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share that earlier this afternoon, Charlie went to his eternal reward with Jesus Christ in Heaven,” Streiff wrote.
Former President Donald Trump also released a statement, calling Kirk a “legendary” figure.
“The great, and truly legendary, Charlie Kirk is gone. No one connected with or inspired America’s youth like he did,” Trump said. “He was loved by all, especially me. Melania and I send our deepest sympathies to his wife Erika and their family. Charlie, we love you.”
Witnesses say Kirk, 31, had just finished answering a question about mass shootings when gunfire erupted. He was struck in the neck and collapsed moments later. His final words, according to attendees, were “gang violence.”
Police confirmed that no suspect is currently in custody. A man initially detained was later cleared of involvement, university spokesman Scott Trotter told The New York Times.
Kirk is survived by his wife, Erika, and their two children.
Kirk Founded Turning Point USA in 2012
Born in suburban Chicago, Kirk became active in politics as a teenager and founded Turning Point USA in 2012 at age 18. What began as a small student effort quickly grew into one of the most influential conservative youth organizations in the country, with more than 800 campus chapters nationwide.
Over the years, TPUSA expanded into related groups including Students for Trump, TPUSA Action, and TPUSA Faith. A devout evangelical Christian, Kirk frequently spoke about the role of faith in his life and in American society.
Kirk was an early supporter of Donald Trump, backing him at the 2016 Republican National Convention and campaigning throughout both of Trump’s presidential bids. He was widely credited with energizing young conservative voters during the 2024 election, and in March was appointed by Trump to the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors.
In addition to leading TPUSA, Kirk was a prolific author and commentator. His most recent book, Right Wing Revolution: How to Beat the Woke and Save the West, was published earlier this year. He also hosted “The Charlie Kirk Show,” a nationally syndicated talk radio program.
Tributes have poured in from lawmakers, activists, and ordinary supporters who credited Kirk with inspiring a new generation of conservative voices.
“If you believe in something, you need the courage to fight for those ideas,” Kirk once wrote. “Don’t run away from them. Don’t let others silence you.”
Kirk had promoted his Utah Valley University appearance just minutes before his assassination, posting on X: “We are so back!”
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