By Lillie Jaenchen
Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, has died after being shot at an event in Utah earlier today.
“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,” President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social. “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!”
Kirk, 31, was speaking at Utah Valley University this afternoon when he was shot in the neck.
He leaves behind his wife Erika, who he married in 2021, and two young children, a daughter, born in 2022, and a son, born in 2024.
“I am devastated that Charlie Kirk has lost his life. I am so sad for his family and his children. We’ve been friendly for years, and I am just in shock right now,” says Movieguide® president Robby Baehr.
Kirk founded TPUSA in 2012 as a national field program on college campuses. It has since expanded into a “multi-departmental activism machine that now engages millions of young conservatives on and off campus through the largest annual events in the conservative movement.”
Kirk also spoke frequently about his faith.
“Jesus defeated death so you can live,” he posted just days ago.
Jesus defeated death so you can live.
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) September 6, 2025
“It’s almost a gift that grows sweeter with time,” he said of his faith. “The more I read, the more I live, and the more it actually — I’m completely able to admit I’m a total, absolute sinner and I fall short from the grace of God.”
His friends and fans are flooding social media with prayers.
“I cried when I heard about Charlie,” Dr. Ted Baehr, Movieguide founder, said. “Charlie loved MOVIEGUIDE. Many, many years ago, he was the opening act when I spoke. But even so, he was being used by God to bring revival, and reformation. Please pray that God raises up another.”
“Charlie Kirk. Solider for truth. Fearless. Defender of the faith. Faithful husband and father. My dear friend. We will not forget you, Charlie. Ever,” wrote podcaster Allie Beth Stuckey.
“We love you Charlie. Well done, good and faithful servant,” Candace Cameron Bure posted.
“Gods word is the only way that brings life, unity and peace! Jesus is the answer, always has been and always will be!” singer Danny Gokey wrote in response to Kirk’s death.
“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,” Vice President JD Vance wrote on X.
Please keep Charlie’s family in your prayers.
Questions or comments? Please write to us here.
– Content: +4Share:
– Content: +1