Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was shot dead on Wednesday during an event at Utah Valley University (UVU) in Orem, Utah.
The shooting happened while Kirk was answering questions from students. His spokesperson confirmed the attack, adding that the suspect fired from the Losee Center, about 200 yards away from the event. The alleged shooter has been taken into custody and is not a UVU student, according to the Associated Press.
President Trump Reacts to Kirk’s Death
Former President Donald Trump initially called for prayers after news broke that Kirk had been shot.
🚨#BREAKING: President Trump: 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… pic.twitter.com/BwSEHsLOCc
— LoudFact (@loudfactcom) September 10, 2025
On Truth Social, Trump wrote:
“We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!”
Later, Trump confirmed Kirk’s death with another statement:
“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!”
Charlie Kirk’s Life and Career
At just 18 years old, Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA, a conservative youth organization that now has over 850 campus chapters across the U.S. The group runs conferences, training, and media outlets promoting right-wing views.
Kirk was a strong supporter of Donald Trump and became a key voice in Republican populism, particularly among young voters. He also promoted claims about the 2020 U.S. election being stolen and expressed skepticism about COVID-19 policies.
This UVU event was the first stop on his “American Comeback Tour”, which had resumed earlier this month.
Who Is Charlie Kirk’s Wife?
Charlie Kirk was married to Erika Frantzve, whom he wed in May 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. The couple has two children: daughter Sarah Rose, born in 2021, and a son born in 2023.
Erika is a real estate agent in New York City, runs the non-profit Everyday Heroes Like You, and hosts the podcast Midweek Rise Up. She also manages the Christian fashion brand PROCLAIM Streetwear.
She previously won Miss Arizona USA 2012, played college basketball, and holds advanced degrees in political science, law, and Christian leadership.
What Is Turning Point USA?
Founded in 2012, Turning Point USA has become one of the most influential conservative youth organizations in America. It organizes events on topics like economics, immigration, and race.
The group also runs Turning Point Action, Turning Point Faith, Turning Point Academy, and the Turning Point Endowment.
Its flagship annual event, AmericaFest, brings together conservative leaders and media figures such as Greg Gutfeld, Glenn Beck, and Jack Posobiec.
Turning Point also produces popular podcasts, including The Charlie Kirk Show and Culture Apothecary hosted by Alex Clark.
A Lasting Influence
Despite his sudden death, Charlie Kirk’s activism has left a lasting mark on youth politics in America. His work through Turning Point USA reshaped campus conservatism, inspired young voters, and built a movement that continues to grow.
