Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk Dead at 31
Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the FBI.
Charlie Kirk speaking at a Trump 2024 rally, addressing a cheering crowd holding signs that read "You're Fired" and "Fight.". Photo credit: Getty Images
Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative commentator and founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot on Wednesday during an appearance at Utah Valley University, authorities confirmed. He was 31.
The shooting occurred shortly after 12:20 p.m. local time while Kirk was speaking at an outdoor event on campus. According to witnesses, a single shot rang out from a nearby building, striking Kirk in the jugular as he addressed the crowd. Students and attendees scrambled for cover as security rushed him from the stage.
Charlie Kirk claims "too many" transgender people have been responsible for mass shootings in the U.S. before his death. Video credit: Brian Krassenstein, X
Kirk was transported to hospital in critical condition but later died of his injuries, officials said. Law enforcement initially detained one individual, but police later clarified that the person was not the shooter. The suspect remains at large, and the FBI is assisting in the investigation.
Kirk's assassination has drawn swift condemnation from political leaders worldwide. U.S. President Donald Trump, a close ally of Kirk's, called for prayers for his family. California Gov. Gavin Newsom denounced the act of political violence, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also offered his condolences.
Kirk rose to prominence in 2012 when he, at the age of 18, founded Turning Point USA, which has since grown into one of the largest conservative activist organizations in the world. Known for his combative debating style and his "Prove Me Wrong" campus tours, Kirk became a key figure in rallying young voters to Republican causes. He was a staunch supporter of President Trump, who appointed him to a 2020 commission on "patriotic education."
He is survived by his wife, Erika Frantzve, and their two young children.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the FBI.
