Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk Shot and Killed — He Was 31

Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk Shot and Killed — He Was 31

Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist who rose to national prominence as the founder of the youth-oriented political group Turning Point USA, died Wednesday at the age of 31.

Kirk was shot and killed while giving a presentation at Utah Valley University.

His death was confirmed by the organization he founded in 2012. 

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Kirk became one of the most visible and polarizing figures in American conservative politics over the past decade. With a focus on mobilizing college students and young voters to embrace right-leaning ideas, he built an organization headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, that rapidly expanded across the country. Critics accused him of fostering political division, while supporters hailed him as a visionary strategist who understood how to connect with younger generations drifting away from traditional party activism.

President Donald Trump posted to Truth Social, “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!”

Born on Oct. 14, 1993, in the Chicago suburb of Arlington Heights, Illinois, Kirk grew up middle-class. He often credited his upbringing and early exposure to conservative media as the foundation of his worldview. While he briefly attended Baylor University, he dropped out to pursue activism full-time, a decision that shaped the rest of his life.

Kirk founded Turning Point USA when he was just 18, originally starting with a handful of staffers, a modest fundraising base, and a mission to counter what he frequently described as the liberal dominance of American college campuses. Over time, TPUSA grew into a multimillion-dollar organization, supported by major conservative donors and bolstered by Kirk’s high-energy speaking tours at universities nationwide. The group branded itself through symbols like its “Big Government Sucks” slogan and a willingness to spar with student protesters who objected to its presence.

In addition to steering TPUSA, Kirk became a frequent commentator on cable television and conservative talk radio. He was a regular guest on Fox News and built a substantial following online, including millions of Twitter and Instagram followers. Through fiery commentary on issues such as immigration, free markets, and cultural debates, he became a fixture of the conservative media ecosystem.

Although often viewed as a staunch ally of Trump, whom he frequently defended and campaigned for, Kirk also pursued his own brand of political entrepreneurship. He launched Turning Point Action, an affiliate group that engaged in direct voter mobilization and grassroots organizing. At rallies, conferences, and online broadcasts, Kirk urged young conservatives to resist what he called the cultural left’s dominance in education, media, and entertainment.

In recent years, Kirk expanded into podcasting and book publishing, authoring several volumes aimed at galvanizing the conservative youth movement. His work drew comparisons to earlier generations of conservative leaders who sought to mobilize the grassroots within the Republican Party.

Outside of politics, Kirk was known for his Christian faith, his advocacy of free enterprise, and his calls for stronger traditional family values. 

Kirk is survived by his wife, Erika, their two children, his parents, and a sister. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.