Charlie Kirk, Turning Point USA Founder, Passes Away at 31

On Wednesday, President Donald Trump shared the news of Charlie Kirk’s passing at the age of 31.

Trump remarked on social media, “The great and even legendary Charlie Kirk is dead. No one understood or connected with the youth in the United States better than he did. He was beloved by all.”

Based on an internal communication reviewed, Turning Point USA notified its staff via email about Kirk’s death. The email stated, “As your Turning Point USA Leadership Team, we regret to inform you that Charlie has gone to eternal rewards with Jesus Christ in Heaven.”

Gunfire erupted while Kirk was engaging with a student during one of his events at Utah Valley University. A spokesperson from the university informed that Kirk was shot from a distance of about 200 yards. In the footage captured, security was visible managing the aftermath.

After being shot, Kirk was quickly taken to the hospital but, unfortunately, did not survive, according to a statement from Turning Point USA and a source connected to his team.

A local student at the event recounted, “All of a sudden, there was this loud bang out of nowhere, and just one shot.”

Initially, a spokesperson from Utah Valley University indicated that a suspect was in custody. However, a report from the New York Times clarified that the detained individual was not involved in the shooting.

The Orem Police Department, alongside federal and state agencies, is currently overseeing the investigation. In a public statement, they mentioned, “There are still suspects. We are not lifting the shelter-in-place order at this time. If you notice anything suspicious, please call 911 or the non-emergency line.”

Kirk was a significant figure in the conservative movement, leading Turning Point USA and Turning Point Action, well-known for advocating conservative values at universities and engaging in discussions with students holding differing views.

He established Turning Point USA, a 501(c)(3) organization, in 2012, aiming to empower conservative students to engage in student government roles and promote conservative perspectives on campuses. In 2019, he launched Turning Point Action, a grassroots activist organization that rallied support for President Trump’s 2024 reelection campaign.

Turning Point USA hosts various conferences for conservative youth, such as American Fest, Young Women’s Leadership Summit, and Student Action Summit, attracting thousands of attendees.

Through his active involvement, Kirk became a close ally of President Trump and several members of his administration. He was listed in the 2018 Forbes Under 30 in the Law and Policy category and received an honorary doctoral degree from Liberty University.

Kirk married Erika in 2021, and they had two young children—a three-year-old daughter and a one-year-old son.