Conservative activist Charlie Kirk, CEO of the Phoenix-headquartered Turning Point USA, was shot and killed in what authorities are calling a politically motivated assassination during “The American Comeback Tour” kickoff event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10.
Following Kirk’s death, Turning Point USA headquarters on East Beverly Road was blocked off. Employees were sent home as mourners arrived to leave flowers and pay respects.
The organization issued a statement on X.
“It is with a heavy heart that we confirm that Charles James Kirk has been murdered by a gunshot that took place during Turning Point USA’s ‘The American Comeback Tour’ campus event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. May he be received into the merciful arms of our loving Savior, who suffered and died for Charlie.”
“We ask that everyone keep his family and loved ones in your prayers.”
“We ask that you please respect their privacy and dignity at this time.”
Video of the assassination shows Kirk addressing a crowd of more than 2,000 people when, moments after answering a question about mass shootings in America, a single bullet struck him in the neck. He was rushed to a hospital, where he later died.
Law enforcement questioned two persons of interest, who were later released. The shooter remains at large.
A free speech advocate who regularly engaged in political debate on college campuses, Kirk had described The American Comeback Tour as an effort to push back against what he called “anti-American indoctrination” on college campuses and attempts to silence conservative voices in higher education.
Kirk co-founded the nonprofit Turning Point USA at age 18 alongside mentor Bill Montgomery. It rapidly grew into one of the nation’s leading youth-oriented conservative movements promoting principles like limited government, free markets and fiscal responsibility.
Kirk’s legacy is closely linked to his role as CEO of Turning Point USA, which established a vast network of over 250,000 student members with chapters on more than 850 campuses nationwide. His influence energized young conservatives statewide and played a key role in mobilizing voters to reelect Donald Trump.
Known as the “Trump whisperer,” he used Turning Point USA to promote Trump among high school and college students and worked closely with Trump’s family on campaign outreach. He was a frequent presence at the White House after Trump retook office and helped vet appointments to the Trump Administration.
“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. Charlie, we love you!” Trump said on Truth Social.
Kirk, a devout Christian and resident of Arizona, was 31 years old. He is survived by his wife, former Miss Arizona, Erika Frantzve and their two young daughters. He hosted The Charlie Kirk Show daily on Real America’s Voice network and the Salem Radio Network and had a massive social media following.
Flags have been ordered to half staff across the nation following Kirk’s assassination.
