Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk has died after being shot during an event in Utah on Wednesday, reports indicate. President Trump confirmed Kirk’s passing, expressing deep sorrow over the loss. “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. 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.
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, died after being shot Wednesday at Utah Valley University, according to Trump’s statement. The incident occurs amid a surge in political violence across the United States, spanning all ideological spectrums.
31-year-old Kirk is the latest victim in a wave of political violence in the nation. He co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012 at age 18 and became a prominent figure on cable TV, engaging in culture wars and praising President Trump. Authorities are still searching for the suspect, with a person detained at Utah Valley University confirmed not to be the perpetrator, according to sources familiar with the investigation.
X users shared reactions to the tragedy, including Alex Jones’ claim that Kirk was killed by a high-powered rifle shot to the neck. Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz stated Kirk’s death was verified by law enforcement. Deseret News reporters on scene described Kirk being shot during a Q&A with students, with a gunshot heard early in the interview.
Kirk, 31, co-founded Turning Point USA, a major conservative organization for high school and college students, and was a popular podcast and cable news host. He is married with two children. UVU spokesperson Scott Trotter stated the suspect remains at large.
