Who is Charlie Kirk? Learn about the Turning Point USA founder who was tragically fatally shot at a Utah event.
After Charlie Kirk was shot dead on September 10 at a Turning Point USA rally in Utah, tributes began to come in from people of all political persuasions.
As a staunch admirer of President Donald Trump, who revealed the 31-year-old's passing on his Truth Social platform, Kirk established the conservative student club in 2012.
"The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead," the president stated. "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!
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When the incident happened, the right-wing activist was giving a speech at Utah Valley University in Orem. Online videos appear to show blood oozing from Kirk's neck following the gunshot.
Kirk's hospitalization was previously confirmed by TPUSA.
At first, Trump had written kind wishes, "We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!"
Vice President JD Vance said on X, "Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely decent guy and a young father." NBC News reports that Vance was Kirk's personal choice for the position prior to Trump officially appointing him as his running partner.
On the first edition of his podcast, This Is Gavin Newsom, California Governor Gavin Newsom, who invited Kirk to speak across the aisle in March, also posted on X, "The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile, and reprehensible. In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form."
Gov. Spencer Cox of Utah concurred, writing on X, "Violence has no place in our public life. Americans of every political persuasion must unite in condemning this act. Our prayers are with Charlie, his family, and all those affected.”
Salem Media, the podcast's home since 2021, claims that Kirk, who is well-known for his controversial opinions on immigration, race, and other cultural issues, rose to prominence in the right-wing media ecosystem and his daily Charlie Kirk Show became the most popular podcast in the crowded conservative podcasting market.
"This isn't just a win for Charlie," in April, David Santrella, CEO of Salem Media Group, stated. "This is a defining moment for conservative media. The torch has been passed, and we're not looking back."
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