Charlie Kirk Dead: What to Know About the Turning Point USA Founder

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Following the tragic shooting of Charlie Kirk, numerous heartfelt tributes began streaming in from individuals across various political perspectives, following the incident at a Turning Point USA event in Utah on September 10th.

In 2012, Kirk established a conservative student group, earning recognition as a dedicated advocate for President Donald Trump. Later, it was Trump himself who announced Kirk’s passing on his social media platform, Truth Social.

The esteemed and iconic Charlie Kirk has passed away, the president shared. Few, if any, grasped or showed more empathy towards America’s youth than Charlie. He was cherished and revered by many, including myself, and now, he is gone from our midst. My deepest condolences go to his beloved wife Erika and family. Charlie, you will be greatly missed!

At Utah Valley University in Orem, a right-wing speaker was delivering a talk when a shooting incident took place. Subsequently released videos suggest that Kirk may have been wounded, as blood seems to be seen streaming from his neck following the gunfire.

TPUSA had previously confirmed that Kirk was taken to the hospital.

At first, Trump expressed warm sentiments towards Charlie Kirk, saying something like, “Let’s all send our prayers to Charlie Kirk, who was recently shot. He’s an outstanding individual, through and through. May God grant him a swift recovery.

The Vice President, identified as JD Vance, who NBC News reported was Kirk’s preferred choice for the position prior to Trump making it official, posted on X: “Take a moment to send a prayer for Charlie Kirk, an exceptional individual and caring young father.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase that statement for a more personal and engaging tone:

“I, much like many others, was appalled by the despicable attack on Charlie Kirk. It’s disheartening to witness such unacceptable behavior in our beloved United States of America. We, as Americans, should unequivocally condemn political violence in all its forms and strive for civil discourse instead.”

In a similar vein, I had the pleasure of hosting Kirk on the debut episode of my podcast, ‘This Is Gavin Newsom’. The conversation across the aisle was enlightening and reminded us that even with our differences, open dialogue remains crucial in shaping our future.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox concurred, expressing on X, “There is no room for violence in our civic interactions. Regardless of political affiliations, we should unite in denouncing such actions. Our thoughts are with Charlie, his family, and all those impacted.

In a notable turn of events, Charlie Kirk, often recognized for contentious opinions on race, immigration, and cultural topics, has emerged as a significant force within the conservative media landscape. His daily “Charlie Kirk Show” has climbed to the top spot in the competitive conservative podcast scene, as per Salem Media, who have been hosting his podcast since 2021.

David Santrella, CEO of Salem Media Group, stated in April that this victory wasn’t just for Charlie, but rather marked a significant milestone for conservative media. He further emphasized that the baton had been handed over, and they were moving forward without looking back.

Here is what to know about Kirk:

Who is Charlie Kirk?

Kirk was born on October 14, 1993, and spent his childhood in Wheeling, Illinois. Despite moving to Scottsdale, Arizona with his family, his loyalty to the Chicago Bears remained strong, as he expressed his disappointment over their Monday Night Football loss on a September 9 episode of his podcast.

In a 2015 talk to the Conservative Forum of Silicon Valley, as reported by the New Yorker, this individual – who was once an Eagle Scout – expressed that his top life ambition had been to enroll in the U.S. Military Academy at West Point; however, this goal didn’t come to fruition.

He spent a short time at Harper College, a community college located in Palatine, Illinois, before deciding to quit and focus entirely on activism.

In a playful manner, Kirk once remarked that he might not have been academically prepared for a university education lasting four years, as he said to The New Yorker in 2017.

Was Charlie Kirk married?

In my expert opinion as a lifestyle enthusiast, I am thrilled to share that in 2021, I was fortunate enough to tie the knot with the extraordinary Erika Frantzve. Known for her 2012 Miss Arizona USA title, Erika is not just a beauty queen but also the dynamic host of the Midweek Rise Up podcast and the proud owner of PROCLAIM x BIBLEin365, a faith-driven clothing brand that truly inspires.

They shared a 3-year-old daughter and 15-month-old son.

What is Charlie Kirk’s organization, Turning Point USA?

In 2012, Kirk and a tea party activist named William Montgomery established Turning Point USA (TPUSA), an organization with the mission, as stated on their website, to discover, instruct, empower, and mobilize students in support of financial responsibility, free enterprise, and minimal government intervention.

Following the endorsement of Trump in the 2016 presidential election, Kirk subsequently worked as a personal assistant for Donald Trump Jr. throughout the general election campaign, as reported by the Associated Press. This association resulted in numerous cable news appearances, increased speaking opportunities, and the commencement of his own radio show.

At a December 22nd rally in Las Vegas, Trump personally showered praise on Kirk, describing him as extraordinary and a unique talent.

What happened to Charlie Kirk?

At a TPUSA gathering held at Utah Valley University, Orem, on the 10th of September – part of Kirk’s “American Comeback Tour” – I found myself addressing the crowd. Approximately 20 minutes into my speech, an unexpected incident occurred as I was targeted by gunfire.

According to the school, his security team removed him from the premises.

Videos shared online depict Kirk conversing with a crowd under a canopy when suddenly a gunshot was heard. Subsequently, blood became noticeable as he instinctively jerked back and collapsed in his chair.

Prior to Trump announcing Kirk’s passing on Truth Social, FBI Director Kash Patel expressed sympathy and offered agency assistance in a post on X: “Our thoughts are with Charlie, his family, and all those impacted. Agents will swiftly arrive at the scene, and we stand fully committed to supporting the ongoing response and investigation.

See photos of Kirk in happy times with his family:

Last year, Charlie Kirk joyfully marked the first birthday of their little one who joined their family in May 2024. Reflecting on this occasion, he pondered over how fatherhood has influenced not just him, but also his spouse Erika Frantzve Kirk.

On Instagram, he expressed that our lives are filled with endless joy and laughter thanks to him. He also stated that being a parent is an extraordinary blessing, one which is even more delightful as he gets to share this journey with @mrserikakirk.

On Father’s Day, Erika highlighted Charlie as an exceptionally thoughtful husband and father on Instagram by sharing a heartfelt post accompanied by a video showing him purchasing their little girl a new doll.

The conservative activist emphasized to his daughter that she needed to behave exceptionally well to receive such a treat, as he picked up a doll off the store shelf. “Have you been a model child?” he asked, “Alright, if so, I’ll buy it for you.

In a Fourth of July video, the ex-Miss Arizona USA expressed that the festivities symbolizing freedom stirred within her a deep affection for Charlie.

On days when the sky paints a vibrant red, white, and blue, filling the air with the symphony of freedom, Erika expresses her heartfelt gratitude for the man she affectionately calls her husband on Instagram. She admires his deep patriotism, as he values the liberties we commemorate today so highly that he feels they should be protected every day.

She went on to say, “Even if you don’t fully concur with his words, I trust you’ll be moved by the fact that he can express himself. It’s remarkable that we all have this ability to speak. This land, despite its flaws and virtues, is united by a Constitution that marvelously safeguards our freedom of speech, worship, housing, and aspirations.

She added, “That alone is something worth celebrating.” 

On the occasion of his oldest child’s third birthday, the co-founder of Turning Point USA reminisced about constructing sandcastles together on the beach.

On Instagram, Charlie wished their amazing daughter a happy birthday, expressing that teaching her about God with Mr. Erik Kirk has been an immense honor. He also emphasized that starting a family offers life-changing benefits, suggesting others to marry and have children, assuring them they wouldn’t regret it.

Charlie and Erika brought their children to watch the Arizona Diamondbacks play baseball, a chance for Erika to relive her childhood memories “by viewing it all through their perspective.

She posted on Instagram: “Am I creating a childhood for my children that will inspire gratitude and belief, or one that will leave them seeking healing from places where they didn’t receive it?” Her response, truthfully, will be determined later, when the choice has been made.

She added, “This window is short, drench yourself in it.” 

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2025-09-11 00:48