Charlie Kirk, conservative activist and Turning Point USA founder, was fatally shot during a campus event at Utah Valley University, sparking nationwide mourning and vigils.

Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of conservative powerhouse Turning Point USA, was tragically assassinated on Wednesday during a stop on his American Comeback Tour at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.

The shooting has sent shockwaves across the nation, sparking vigils and memorials as mourners gather to honor the young activist whose fiery voice shaped modern conservatism.

The fatal incident occurred in the afternoon on September 10, 2025, at the Losee Center building on the UVU campus, where Kirk was speaking to a crowd of roughly 3,000 attendees.

Video footage captured the chaotic moments as Kirk was shot on stage, later being rushed away by his security team before being pronounced dead.

The FBI initially announced the apprehension of a person of interest connected to the assassination, but that individual was subsequently released after investigators found no direct evidence linking them to the crime. The search for the suspect remains active.

In the wake of Kirk’s death, vigils have been held across the country, from Washington, D.C., to small towns in the Midwest, as supporters pay tribute to the young activist.

At one such vigil in downtown Phoenix, a sea of candles and signs reading “Justice for Charlie” and “Keep Fighting” lined the streets as friends, family, and followers shared stories of Kirk’s passionate commitment to his beliefs.

Among the mourners was longtime ally and former President Donald Trump, who called Kirk “a brave and relentless voice for the future of America.”

Trump promised to support the investigation and emphasized the need to confront the rising tide of political violence targeting public figures.

A particularly touching moment resurfaced on social media from July 2025, showing Kirk warmly embracing his 3-year-old daughter during a guest stint co-hosting “Fox & Friends Weekend.”

The video, posted on Kirk’s Instagram account, showed his daughter running across the Fox News set to leap into his arms, capturing a rare glimpse of the private family life he often shielded from the public eye.

“Happy Sunday from @foxandfriends and from my family! God bless!” Kirk captioned the heartfelt clip, a stark contrast to the tragedy that unfolded just two months later.

Kirk and his wife, Erika Frantzve, a former Miss Arizona, worked diligently to protect their children’s privacy amid his public life.

The couple welcomed their daughter in August 2022 and their son in May 2024, often sharing heartfelt moments while keeping their family out of the spotlight.

In a statement announcing the birth of their son, Kirk expressed gratitude and faith: “Glory be to God for the birth of our Son! Erika did so amazing, I am so proud of her! Children are a gift from the Lord,” referencing Psalm 127:3.

The assassination has drawn heartfelt reactions from prominent figures, including First Lady Melania Trump. On her social media platform X, she wrote an emotional tribute reflecting on the loss Kirk’s children now face.

“Charlie’s children will be raised with stories instead of memories, photographs instead of laughter, and silence where their father’s voice should have echoed,” she wrote.

“Charlie Kirk’s life should serve as a symbolic reminder that compassionate awareness elevates family, love, and country.”

As the nation mourns, questions remain over the motive behind the killing and the identity of the shooter, who remains at large.

Investigators continue to comb through surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts, working tirelessly to bring justice in a case that has stunned both political allies and opponents alike.

Charlie Kirk’s rise to prominence began in 2012 when he founded Turning Point USA at just 18 years old.

The organization rapidly became a leading conservative voice on college campuses, known for its direct engagement with youth on issues ranging from free speech to economic freedom.

Kirk’s signature “Prove Me Wrong” debate series challenged students to confront his views face-to-face, fueling heated discussions nationwide.

Despite his youth, Kirk’s influence reached the highest levels of political discourse, making him a polarizing figure both celebrated and vilified.

His unyielding defense of conservative principles and frequent clashes with progressive activists made him a lightning rod for controversy.

His death underscores the increasing dangers faced by political figures in an era marked by deep division and escalating violence.

Campus security experts and lawmakers are already calling for heightened measures to protect speakers and students alike, fearing that such tragedies may become more frequent unless action is taken.

In Orem, Utah, the community remains in shock, grappling with the violent loss of a figure who had inspired so many with his youthful energy and unapologetic stance.

As memorial services are planned both locally and in Washington, D.C., Kirk’s supporters vow to carry forward his mission, promising that his voice will not be silenced by violence.

The national conversation now turns toward healing and reflection, as Americans across the political spectrum confront the harsh realities of extremism and its devastating consequences.

For Charlie Kirk’s family, friends, and followers, the loss is deeply personal — a tragic reminder of the fragile line between activism and danger in today’s divided landscape.

The investigation into Kirk’s assassination continues, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.

As the country mourns one of conservatism’s brightest young leaders, many hope this tragedy sparks a renewed commitment to civility and respect in political dialogue.