As reported earlier, CEO and co-founder of Turning Point USA and right-wing political activist, Charlie Kirk, died today after suffering a gunshot wound to the neck. The 31-year-old Trump ally was attending an event at Utah Valley University and in the midst of answering a question when he was shot. President Donald Trump confirmed on his Truth Social platform that Kirk died from his injuries.
Who Was Charlie Kirk?
Charlie Kirk rose to public attention when he became an ally of Donald Trump and the Republican Party. He embodied the party’s newly founded image as a populist conservative. At the ripe age of 18, he co-founded Turning Point in 2012 and became a prominent Trump supporter who encouraged young, new voters to turn out on campuses and churches.
Kirk was always traveling between college campuses, asking and answering typical questions. He is most commonly known for his signature “Prove Me Wrong Table,” where he urged individuals who disagreed with him to debate on whatever issue they wanted. Most of his speeches and interactions with audience members would go viral on social media platforms, increasing awareness of his cause.
Kirk was more than just a loyal servant to the Republican Party; he was also an author and the host of a daily three-hour radio show. He was an inspiration to a lot of young voters. He also recently appeared in the Oval Office to witness Judge Jeanine Pirro be sworn in.
Utah Valley University Assassination
Kirk was visiting Utah Valley University as part of his “American Comeback Tour.” He was in the middle of answering a question when a pop was heard, and he reached for his neck as he began to bleed out. Many people in attendance were recording the event, and some caught the horrific scene on video, which has since spread across social media. If you come across the video online, proceed with caution. The image is truly horrifying and unimaginable for Kirk, his family, and all those who witnessed it. Students began fleeing immediately once they realized what had happened.
Utah Republican Representative Jason Chaffetz was in attendance and reported to Fox News that he was with his wife, daughter, and son-in-law. He said Kirk “came out, he was throwing hats, riling up the crowd.” He started taking questions, and then the shot rang out. “I was watching Charlie. I can’t say that I saw blood. I can’t say that I saw him get hit, but I did see him fall immediately backwards into his left,” Chaffetz said.
According to an aide with Turning Point USA, Kirk traveled with a private security contingent. Whether he was attending large rallies on college campuses or smaller events with limited seating, he had security with him. It leads one to wonder how someone got past with presumably an assault weapon or got close enough to fire in range. An online petition calling for university administrators to bar Kirk from appearing received nearly 1,000 signatures.
Police are still searching for the suspect. The Utah Valley University (UVU) released a statement asking those “still on campus to secure in place until police officers can safely escort them off campus.” Many students reportedly ran to the on-campus sushi restaurant to take cover. The confusion of the situation and the unknown whereabouts of the shooter is unsettling. Five other area schools were placed on lockdown.
Condolences and Updates
President Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social confirming Kirk’s death, and dozens of other allies also posted to social media shortly following the shooting. Democrats have also posted well-wishes and called for prayers for his surviving spouse and children. Kirk married his wife Erika Frantzve, in 2021, and they have two young children together.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox wrote on X, “I just got off the phone with President Trump. Working with the FBI and Utah law enforcement, we will bring to justice the individual responsible for this tragedy.”
