Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk Shot Dead at Utah University Event
Story: written by Okafor Joseph September 11,2025
Charlie Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent conservative commentator, was shot and killed on Wednesday during a political event at Utah Valley University in Orem. He was 31.
Kirk, a close ally of former President Donald Trump, rose to national prominence as a youth conservative organizer, podcast host, and outspoken advocate for the MAGA movement.
Trump confirmed his death in a tribute on Truth Social, calling Kirk “a great, and even legendary leader” who connected deeply with America’s youth. “Charlie, we love you!” Trump wrote, extending condolences to Kirk’s wife, Erika, and their two children.
Founded at age 18, Kirk’s organization Turning Point USA expanded into a political powerhouse with operations on more than 3,000 U.S. campuses. The group became central to Trump’s 2016 and 2020 campaigns, mobilizing young conservatives and creating national watchlists targeting professors and school boards accused of leftist bias.
Kirk also built a massive following through The Charlie Kirk Show, which drew more than 1 million daily listeners, and authored several bestselling books, including The MAGA Doctrine and The College Scam.
His assassination comes amid rising threats and violence against U.S. political figures. Details about the gunman and motive have not yet been released.
