Charlie Kirk: Conservative influencer who rallied a youth movement

September 13, 2025

Charlie Kirk, a prominent 31-year-old conservative activist, media personality, and close ally of President Trump, was shot and killed on September 10, 2023, during a college event in Utah for Turning Point USA, the organization he co-founded at age 18. Kirk was known for his efforts to spread conservative ideals on liberal-leaning college campuses, hosting a popular podcast and radio show, and playing a significant role in voter registration for Trump's campaign. His death occurred at the first stop of his planned 15-event "American Comeback Tour" of college campuses, prompting tributes from President Trump who described Kirk as someone who uniquely understood American youth.

Who is affected

Charlie Kirk's wife, Erika Kirk, and their two young children
The Turning Point USA organization and its chapters across 850+ colleges
Young conservative activists and students involved with the organization
President Donald Trump, who had a close alliance with Kirk
Republican voter mobilization efforts, as Kirk played a key role in get-out-the-vote campaigns

What action is being taken

Police are investigating the shooting as a targeted attack
Erika Kirk is publicly responding to her husband's death, posting a video statement and vowing that her husband's mission will be amplified
President Trump and others are paying public tributes to Kirk
The Turning Point USA organization continues to operate across its 850+ college chapters

Why it matters

Kirk was a major figure in conservative youth activism, with significant influence through Turning Point USA's presence on 850+ college campuses
He played a key role in registering tens of thousands of new voters and was credited with helping Trump win Arizona
His death represents the loss of someone President Trump described as understanding "the Heart of the Youth in the United States" better than anyone
The incident occurred as Kirk was beginning a nationwide college tour, highlighting the political tensions in American society
As co-founder of a major conservative youth organization, his death creates uncertainty for an organization central to mobilizing young conservative voters

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC