Utah, Sept 11: Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist credited with rallying young voters behind Donald Trump, was fatally shot Wednesday while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem. He was 31.
The shooting occurred as Kirk, president of the conservative student organization Turning Point USA, addressed a large outdoor crowd. Authorities have not disclosed a motive, and it remains unclear whether a suspect has been arrested. Utah’s governor described the killing as a “political assassination.”
Kirk had recently returned from an international speaking tour, where he headlined events in Tokyo and Seoul, including an appearance with Japan’s far-right Sanseito party. His global visibility reflected his stature within the Republican movement, where he was widely regarded as one of Trump’s most influential young allies.
“No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, announcing Kirk’s death. “He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us.” Trump ordered flags flown at half-staff in Kirk’s honor.
Building a conservative youth movement
Kirk’s prominence grew rapidly after he co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012 with Tea Party activist Bill Montgomery. The organization focused on promoting conservative causes across college campuses and became a powerful vehicle for mobilizing students ahead of Trump’s 2024 presidential victory.
In 2019, Kirk expanded his reach with Turning Point Action, a nonprofit that supported conservative candidates for office. His rallies drew thousands and were likened to a blend of political conventions, religious revivals and entertainment spectacles, featuring pyrotechnics, loud anthems and fervent crowds.
“He had the unique ability to galvanize young conservatives and bring energy where the Republican Party often struggled,” a political strategist noted Thursday.
Kirk’s social media influence was equally significant. He amassed 5.3 million followers on X and reached more than half a million monthly listeners on “The Charlie Kirk Show,” his daily podcast and radio program. He also authored or contributed to books such as Time for a Turning Point and The College Scam.
Controversial positions
Known for provocative rhetoric, Kirk frequently courted controversy. In April, he said, “Islam has conquest values. They seek to take over land and territory, and Europe is now a conquered continent.” He also targeted Muslim politicians, including Minneapolis mayoral candidate Omar Fateh.
During an August podcast, Kirk echoed conspiracy theories associated with white nationalist circles, accusing Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett, who is Black, of being part of what he called an “attempt to eliminate the white population in this country.”
His detractors often criticized him for amplifying polarizing narratives, while his supporters praised him for challenging political correctness and energizing conservatives.
Early rise to influence
Born in Illinois, Kirk was the son of an architect and a counselor at a mental health clinic. His political career took off after a 2012 op-ed he wrote for Breitbart caught the attention of Fox News. His appearance on the network to discuss the national debt led to a speech at Benedictine University, where he met Montgomery, who encouraged him to bring conservative messaging to college campuses. Montgomery registered Turning Point USA for him in July 2012, setting the stage for Kirk’s national ascent.
By the time of Trump’s 2024 re-election bid, Turning Point USA had become a central hub for conservative youth activism, with Kirk at its helm.
Kirk is survived by his wife, Erika, a former Miss Arizona USA, and their two children.
