Charlie Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem. He was 31 years old.
During the Utah event, Kirk was speaking in a Q&A session with students when he was shot in the neck. Footage circulating on social media captured him falling limp as he was struck. He was rushed to the hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
President Donald Trump confirmed Kirk’s death on Truth Social, posting: “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!”
The conservative activist leaves behind his wife, Erika Kirk, and their two young children: a three-year-old daughter and a 16-month-old son.
Just hours before the shooting, Erika Kirk shared a post on her X account, quoting Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
The couple had celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary in May. According to social media posts by Erika, they wed in May 2021 in what she described as a “very intimate” ceremony in Arizona, without bridesmaids or groomsmen.
She also shared advice to newly engaged couples: “If you’re newly engaged and feeling the rush and pressure of preparing for the ‘big day’… Slow down. It’s one day; yes, it marks a new chapter of life. Yes, it symbolizes a special covenant between you, your husband and the Lord.”
Erika then emphasized the importance of focusing on life after the wedding: “But remember it’s the days afterward that matter more. Reframe your mindset. Don’t stress over the flowers or linens. Weddings turn people crazy and can bring out unnecessary family drama; let it go.”
Erika, who won the title of Miss Arizona USA in 2012, grew up in a close-knit Catholic family. She attended Arizona State University, where she double-majored in political science and international relations.
More recently, she founded the ministry program BIBLEin365, which aims to help individuals engage with scripture.
Her biography states: “Above all, Erika cherishes her role as the wife of Charlie Kirk and the mother of their precious son and daughter. As she continues to grow in her ministry, leadership, and entrepreneurial endeavors, Erika remains committed to inspiring others to live with purpose, rooted in faith, and driven by the love of Christ in every aspect of life.”
In the weeks prior to the shooting, the Kirks appeared with their children on Fox & Friends, with footage showing their daughter running across the studio floor to her father, who picked her up.
Officials from Utah Valley University stated that the shot came from the roof of the Losee Center, approximately 200 feet away from where Kirk was speaking, per NBC.
Authorities initially detained an elderly man who was later cleared.
A separate person of interest was taken into custody but subsequently released, FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed: “The subject in custody has been released after an interrogation by law enforcement. Our investigation continues and we will continue to release information in interest of transparency.”
Governor Spencer Cox described the shooting as a targeted attack and said authorities continue to investigate.
