Charlie Kirk, a prominent political commentator and founder of Turning Point USA, was assassinated during a Q&A with students at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.

Kirk is survived by his wife, Erika Frantzve Kirk, whom he married in May 2021, and their young son and daughter. He was a strong advocate for marriage, family, and faith throughout his life.

Moments before the attack, Kirk was engaging with students during a Q&A session — the kind of open dialogue he encouraged on college campuses where they could ask him anything.

At about 12:10 p.m., a single shot rang out, as The Dallas Express reported at the time. Officials initially said a suspect had been detained but later walked back that claim, and authorities now confirm the suspect remains at large.

TPUSA confirmed Kirk’s death just hours later:

News of Kirk’s death sent shockwaves across the country. President Donald Trump also honored his life and legacy:

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“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!” Trump posted.

Trump followed up his post with another, ordering “all American Flags throughout the United States lowered to Half Mast until Sunday evening at 6 P.M.”

A Legacy Of Faith And Freedom

Kirk was born in Illinois and raised in the Chicago suburb of Prospect Heights. He became involved in politics during high school.

He co-founded the nonprofit Turning Point USA (TPUSA) at the age of 18, while attending Harper College nearby. Kirk eventually dropped out to pursue political activism full-time. He often urged students to consider options besides college, advocating broader opportunities for the nation’s youth.

TPUSA quickly took off, reaching a generation of young Americans tired of left-wing bias.

“The organization’s mission is to identify, educate, train, and organize students to promote the principles of fiscal responsibility, free markets, and limited government,” the group’s website reads. 

TPUSA has a presence on 3,500 high school and college campuses across America, connecting students with influential conservatives through seminars and speaking events. The group also launched Turning Point Action to mobilize youth directly in the political process.

Kirk frequently visited college campuses, challenging left-wing students to examine their beliefs.

He often reminded audiences of the dangers that come when society stops engaging in honest dialogue. “When people stop talking, really bad stuff starts,” Kirk once said. “When you stop having human connection with those you disagree with, it becomes a lot easier to want to commit violence against that group.”

While he often discussed politics, Kirk never shied away from talking about his faith.

Kirk also established TPUSA Faith, working to “unite the Church around primary doctrine and to eliminate wokeism from the American pulpit.”

“We don’t have to agree on anything except Jesus,” Kirk said on Fox News. “You could be a Democrat, you could be on the left, I don’t care – Jesus is honestly the most important thing.”

While others continue to honor Kirk’s legacy, Kirk himself said it best in a post just days prior to his death: