Turning Point USA Co-Founder Charlie Kirk Shot and Killed in Utah on September 10
The nation is reeling from the tragic death of Charlie Kirk, conservative activist, radio host, and co-founder of Turning Point USA. He was just 31.
Kirk, who also served as CEO of Turning Point Action, was speaking during his American Comeback Tour at Utah Valley University in Orem when he was fatally shot.
Kirk married former Miss Arizona USA Erika Frantzve in 2021. The couple has two young children — a three-year-old daughter and a one-year-old son — whose names they kept private.
At 4:40 PM ET, President Donald Trump shared the news on Truth Social:
“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.”
Turning Point USA also issued a statement:
“May he be received into the merciful arms of our loving Savior, who suffered and died for Charlie. We ask that everyone keep his family and loved ones in your prayers, and please respect their privacy at this time.”
Country Music Stars Pay Tribute
Charlie Kirk’s death sparked an outpouring of grief from across the country — including from some of country music’s biggest names, many of whom knew him personally.
Jason Aldean
Posting a photo with Kirk, Aldean wrote:
“Charlie Kirk was one of the kindest, smartest, and bravest people I’ve ever met… He was a man of peace and wanted nothing but the best for our country and its youth.”
Lee Brice
“The fact that this man of faith was taken from this world today is not something we can understand. It’s something to stop and pray about.”
Lauren Alaina
On her Instagram Story, she wrote:
“My heart aches for his family. My heart aches for this country. My heart aches for change. Let’s lift his wife and children up in prayer.”
Lee Greenwood
“It’s heartbreaking to think our world has come to this. Every time I saw him, I felt such pride in his vision and strength.”
RaeLynn
Speaking about Erika Kirk, she shared:
“My beautiful, courageous, incredible and Godly friend lost her husband… He was shot not while holding a weapon but by holding a microphone.”
Gary LeVox (Rascal Flatts)
“Tonight, Charlie walks hand-in-hand with Jesus on the streets of gold… greeted with a white robe as Jesus looked him in the eyes and said, ‘Job well done, my good and faithful servant.’”
Randy Houser
“Who are we? What have we become? A young man with kids to raise is dead for speaking his mind as a Christian Conservative. I’m sick to my stomach.”
Parker McCollum
“I don’t even know what to say anymore. Charlie was one of the greatest young patriots this country has ever seen.”
Josh Turner
On his Instagram Story, he said he was “Shocked, appalled, angered, and saddened.”
Kane Brown
In an emotional video, Brown urged unity:
“At the end of the day, all I want is for everybody to love each other… Left side, right side, black, white, different language speaking, different country living — just love each other.”
A Nation in Mourning
Charlie Kirk’s death has left a deep wound, not only in conservative politics but in communities across America. As tributes pour in from artists, leaders, and everyday citizens, the call for prayer and healing grows louder.
Our thoughts remain with his wife, Erika, their children, and all who loved him.