Young conservative activist Charlie Kirk, CEO and founder of the organization Turning Point USA, was shot dead during an on-campus appearance yesterday at Utah Valley University.
Kirk, along with Turning Point USA, played a pivotal role in gaining young voters during the 2024 presidential election. President Donald Trump praised his efforts stating that his work was influential in the outcome of the election.
The young activist was an advocate for the next generation of voters and frequently tabled on college campuses. He would facilitate question and answer sessions where students and faculty would approach Kirk to ask a question or debate his viewpoints — a practice he has engaged in for nearly ten years.
On Wednesday, September 10, Kirk and the Turning Point USA team were situated on the Utah Valley University campus. They had attracted a crowd of approximately 3000 people consisting of students, faculty and community members. Attendees lined up near his “American Comeback Tour” tent to ask questions while spectators observed their political discourse.
Around 12:20 p.m. MDT, a student asked Kirk “Do you know how many transgender Americans have been mass shooters over the last year?” To which Kirk replied, “Too many.” The student and Kirk continued conversing on the topic of violence caused by active shooters until Kirk was suddenly shot in his jugular region.
Kirk immediately collapsed from his seat. The young crowd was struck with horror at the violent sight of blood gushing out of Kirk’s body upon contact with the bullet. According to a commissioner of the Utah Department of Public Safety, Kirk was rushed to a private vehicle and immediately taken to Timpanogos Regional Hospital.
Not long after the media was informed of Kirk’s arrival to the hospital, he was pronounced dead at the age of 31.
The person of interest was pictured in a photo released by the FBI, asking the public for more information in exchange for a $100,000 reward. He is believed to be a college student who carried a high-powered rifle found in the woods of a nearby area. In video footage, he can be seen running on the roof.
The Oakland University community was taken by surprise regarding Kirk’s passing. Students of various political views could be overheard in disbelief of the violent and sudden death.
“The loss of Charlie Kirk is unimaginable. He was a great man who loved the Lord and a good husband and father,” said Caterina DiCosmo, Network of Enlightened Women President and Turning Point OU member. “Conservatives throughout the nation have been feeling the rumblings of a great influence of more conservative voices on the rise. We need to continue the work for free speech just as Charlie Kirk died for.”
Oakland University President Ora Pescovitz released a statement to students and faculty Thursday morning comforting students in this time of uncertainty. She encouraged students to remain civil during discourse, uphold dignity and preserve the freedom of speech in all conversation.
Democrat and Republican political figures alike mourn his loss. In a video from the Oval Office, President Trump condemned the heinous occurrence, calling Kirk “a martyr for truth and freedom.” Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer took to X saying that “Thinking of Charlie Kirk, his family, and the community at UVU after the horrific shooting. We should all come together to stand up against any and all forms of political violence. It’s unacceptable.”
“Charlie’s children will be raised with stories instead of memories, photographs instead of laughter, and silence where their father’s voice should have echoed,” said First Lady Melania Trump posted on X. “Charlie Kirk’s life should serve as a symbolic reminder that compassionate awareness elevates family, love, and country.”
The entire event quickly spiraled into a political debate on social platforms. This pivotal moment has raised the question of whether this issue stems from lack of gun control, lack of respect for the First Amendment or a combination of the two. While the arguments have proved to be intense, they all express the genuine concern for the state of the country.
President Donald Trump, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, the husband of former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro have all been victims of political violence within the last few years. The attacks ranged from kidnapping attempts, assasination attempts and residential arson.
Kirk is survived by his wife Erika and their two young children who were all present at the event. As America mourns his loss, politicians and civilians alike recognize the uproar in political violence. Despite differing opinions, Americans are given the freedom of speech and opinion — two rights directly resulting in anarchy when infringed upon.
After the country has seen numerous heinous acts of violence against politicians of all political identities, it is recognized that these events are not an attack on the political right or left, but an attack on Americans from coast to coast.
