Former U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed the death of Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA.
He was 31 years old.
Trump released a heartfelt message on Truth Social announcing:
“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 fatal incident occurred on September 10, 2025, when Kirk was speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem during his organization’s American Comeback Tour.
ALSO READ: Larry Ellison overtakes Musk as world’s richest man
The conservative leader was hosting his signature “Prove Me Wrong” table when a single shot struck him in the neck. He collapsed, and witnesses described chaotic scenes as those gathered fled the area in terror.
Although initially reports said a suspect was in custody, authorities later clarified that the person detained was not the shooter. No suspect has been apprehended and law enforcement continues to investigate with the assistance of the FBI.
In the aftermath, figures across the political spectrum—including Utah Governor Spencer Cox, FBI Director Kash Patel, Vice President J.D. Vance, and Democratic leaders such as former Vice President Kamala Harris—expressed condolences and decried the violence.
