Charlie Kirk's organization, Turning Point USA, is paying tribute to its founder, who was fatally shot in Utah this week.

In a statement shared Thursday, Sept. 11, on Kirk's personal social media accounts, Turning Point said that "every one of us at Turning Point USA is crushed and devastated by the hateful murder of our founder and guiding light, Charlie Kirk." In 2012, Kirk founded the organization which advocates for conservative politics on high school and college campuses. Over the past decade, his message of conservatism among young people has spread across the country.

Authorities are still searching for the shooter who killed Kirk at a Sept. 10 event at Utah Valley University. They have recovered a rifle believed to have been used to fire the single fatal shot.

"All of us have lost a leader, a mentor, and a friend. Above all, our hearts are with Erika and their two children. Charlie was the ideal husband and the perfect father," Turning Point said. "Above all else, we ask you to pray for the Kirks after the incomprehensible loss they have suffered."

The organization recounted the details of Kirk becoming a conservative media wunderkind, launching Turning Point from his parents' garage at 18.

"In his thirty-one years, Charlie lived more than any of us will in a hundred. He had an overwhelming passion for life and a deep belief in his power as an individual to make a difference," TPUSA said.

In its statement, Turning Point said that "Charlie loved America, its people, its Constitution, its freedom, and the limitless good all of them have done for the world."

"But above all, Charlie lived every day with an overflowing love of the Christ he knew he would one day get to see," the statement said. "When asked, Charlie said that above all he wished to be remembered for his faith. Far more than any political victory, Charlie wanted to see a spiritual revival among America's youth."

Turning Point said that Kirk "wanted a nation of happy, thriving families who loved God and each other," noting that Kirk conveyed Christ's message "to an audience of non-believers" during his final public speech days before his death.

"Although Charlie is gone, his legacy will endure. He shall not grow old; age shall not weary him," the note concluded. "For all time, he will remain the brave young man who inspired tens of millions of Americans to better themselves and take action to better America. All of us will miss Charlie. None of us will ever forget him."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Charlie Kirk's organization Turning Point USA honors founder in heartfelt statement

Reporting by Jay Stahl, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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