Charlie Kirk

Charlie Kirk
Born	October 14, 1993; Arlington Heights, Illinois, U.S.
Died	September 10, 2025 (aged 31); Orem, Utah, U.S.
Occupations	Political activist; Author; Talk-radio host
Known for	Co-founder & CEO of Turning Point USA; The Charlie Kirk Show
Spouse	Erika Frantzve (m. 2021)
Children	2
Education	Wheeling High School; Harper College (no degree)

This section covers a developing story. Information about the shooting and investigation may change as new details emerge.

Charlie Kirk (born Charles James Kirk; October 14, 1993 – September 10, 2025) was an American conservative activist, author, and media personality. He co-founded Turning Point USA (TPUSA) in 2012 and became a prominent figure in youth-focused conservative politics through campus events, a nationally syndicated talk-radio show, and a large social media presence. Kirk was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025, an attack widely condemned across the political spectrum.

Quick facts

Born	October 14, 1993; Arlington Heights, Illinois, U.S.
Died	September 10, 2025 (aged 31); Orem, Utah, U.S.
Occupations	Political activist; author; talk-radio host
Known for	Co-founder and CEO of Turning Point USA; host of The Charlie Kirk Show
Spouse	Erika Frantzve (m. 2021)
Children	2
Education	Wheeling High School; briefly attended Harper College (no degree)

Early life and education

Kirk was born in Arlington Heights, Illinois, and raised in Prospect Heights. He attended Wheeling High School, where he engaged in local politics and conservative student activism. He briefly enrolled at Harper College before focusing on political organizing full-time.

Turning Point USA

Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012 with Bill Montgomery. Under his leadership, TPUSA developed a large chapter network on high-school and college campuses, hosted high-profile conferences (e.g., AmericaFest), and launched initiatives such as the Professor Watchlist and school-board tracking projects. The organization’s growth was fueled by major conservative donors and a robust media operation. TPUSA and its affiliates—Turning Point Action and TPUSA Faith—played visible roles in Republican youth outreach and grassroots mobilization.

Fundraising and criticism

TPUSA’s prominence drew scrutiny from journalists and higher-education groups, including reporting on finances, campaign-adjacent activities, and tactics seen by critics as confrontational on campuses. Supporters credited TPUSA for energizing young conservatives and expanding the right’s presence at universities; detractors argued it intensified polarization and harassed faculty.

Media career

Starting in 2020, Kirk hosted a daily talk-radio program, The Charlie Kirk Show, syndicated by Salem Radio Network, alongside a high-traffic podcast and video channels. He delivered a prime-time speech at the 2020 Republican National Convention, where he described then-President Donald Trump as the “bodyguard of Western civilization.”

Political influence

Kirk maintained close ties with Republican Party leaders and the Trump political orbit. He and Turning Point Action invested heavily in voter-registration and turnout operations targeting young and infrequent voters. In 2024, he was among the figures pressing for leadership changes at the Republican National Committee.

Investigation updates

On September 14, 2025, prosecutors filed formal charges against Tyler Robinson for aggravated murder and felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury. Robinson remains held without bail; officials say he is not cooperating. A definitive motive has not been announced.

Investigators recovered a Mauser .30-caliber bolt-action rifle believed to be the murder weapon. Bullet casings carried politically charged inscriptions. Forensic evidence includes surveillance video and trace prints from the rooftop of UVU’s Losee Center.

Officials said Robinson is believed to have acted alone. Utah Governor Spencer Cox described the act as a “political assassination.” National leaders condemned the attack; the FBI continues to assist the case.

Views and controversies

Kirk advocated conservative positions on limited government, immigration, higher-education reform, and gun rights, frequently debating students in open-mic formats (“Prove Me Wrong”). His remarks and TPUSA’s campus tactics drew sustained backlash from progressive groups and some faculty organizations, while galvanizing support among young conservatives.

Personal life

Kirk married Erika Frantzve in 2021. The couple had two children. He was an evangelical Christian.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Last updated: September 12, 2025

Who was Charlie Kirk? Charlie Kirk (1993–2025) was an American conservative activist, author, and talk-radio host. He co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012 and became a prominent figure in youth-focused conservative politics.

How did Charlie Kirk die? On September 10, 2025, Kirk was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. He died later that day at a hospital.

Who has been arrested for the shooting? On September 12, 2025, Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old from Utah, was arrested in connection with the attack after being identified by his father in surveillance images. He is currently in custody; charges are pending.

What is Charlie Kirk’s legacy? Kirk was known for building Turning Point USA into one of the largest youth conservative organizations in the United States, for his syndicated radio show The Charlie Kirk Show, and for his outspoken advocacy of conservative policies. His death was widely condemned across the political spectrum, and national leaders described him as an influential figure for young conservatives.

Did Charlie Kirk have a family? Yes. Kirk married Erika Frantzve in 2021, and the couple had two children.

Selected works

Time for a Turning Point (2016)
Campus Battlefield (2018)
The MAGA Doctrine (2020)
Right Wing Revolution: How to Beat the Woke and Save the West (2024)

Public image and media coverage

Kirk was a polarizing figure in American politics. Supporters praised his ability to engage young audiences through campus debates, podcasts, and direct social media outreach. His “Prove Me Wrong” sessions on college campuses, where students could challenge his views at an open microphone, became a signature feature of his tours and drew significant attention online.

Critics argued that Kirk and Turning Point USA promoted divisive rhetoric and targeted faculty and student groups in ways that intensified campus polarization. Media outlets frequently covered TPUSA’s rapid growth, its funding sources, and controversies related to its tactics.

Kirk also became a recurring subject of internet culture. Clips of his speeches, debates, and social media posts were widely circulated and often repurposed as memes, reflecting both his popularity among supporters and criticism from opponents. Coverage of his death in September 2025 dominated national headlines, with tributes, debates, and commentary appearing across major networks and digital platforms.

Legacy and honors

Charlie Kirk was regarded as one of the most prominent conservative youth organizers of his generation. Supporters credited him with energizing young conservatives on college campuses and building Turning Point USA into a nationwide movement. His critics argued that his rhetoric and tactics deepened political polarization, but even opponents acknowledged his influence on the conservative political landscape.

Following his death in September 2025, tributes poured in from national and state leaders across the political spectrum. Utah Governor Spencer Cox described the attack as a “political assassination” and urged a rejection of violence in public life. Vice President J.D. Vance praised Kirk’s ability to connect with young conservatives and met privately with his family.

President Donald Trump called Kirk a “martyr” and announced plans to posthumously award him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. Memorial services were widely covered in U.S. media, with flags flown at half-staff by order of the White House.

External links

Official: TPUSA (tpusa.com)
Radio/Podcast: The Charlie Kirk Show (Salem Podcast Network)