On September 10, 2025, 31-year-old conservative activist Charlie Kirk—co-founder of Turning Point USA and host of the “Prove Me Wrong” debate series—was fatally shot at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, during the first stop of his “American Comeback Tour”. The shooting occurred when Kirk was answering a student’s question about transgenderism and gun violence at about 12:10 p.m. MST, shortly after the event began. A bullet, reportedly fired from a rooftop or distant building roughly 200 yards away, struck him in the neck. A graphic video captured Kirk recoiling and bleeding as attendees scrambled in shock.
Despite being rushed to a hospital, Kirk succumbed to his injuries later that day. His death was confirmed publicly by President Donald Trump, who described him as “legendary” and ordered national flags to be flown at half-staff in his honor.
The shooting prompted a rare moment of bipartisan condemnation, with both Republicans and Democrats—including figures like Kamala Harris, Barack Obama, JD Vance, and Hakeem Jeffries—denouncing the act as a dark and unacceptable turn in American political discourse. Utah Governor Spencer Cox publicly labeled the attack a “political assassination,” and law enforcement—including the FBI and ATF—immediately launched a full investigation.
Kirk, whom supporters saw as a dynamic voice for conservative youth, leaves behind a grieving family—his wife, Erika Frantzve, and their two young children. The tragedy amplified concerns over the growing trend of political violence in the United States, adding to a chilling string of such incidents across the political spectrum.
Kirk was a devout evangelical Christian who boldly and effectively turned hearts toward Christ and Christian faith and morals.
Requiescat in pace.
