Charlie Kirk, a prominent right-wing activist, was shot and killed on September 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University. The 32-year-old was known for his strong conservative views, including support for Donald Trump, gun rights, and opposition to abortion and transgender rights. A manhunt is currently underway for the shooter.

Kirk was born in 1993 in a wealthy suburb of Chicago, Illinois. He became involved in Republican politics during high school, writing for right-wing media and appearing on Fox Business. He founded Turning Point USA in 2012, an organization aimed at promoting conservative values among young people. In his 2023 book, "The MAGA Doctrine," he described the organization as dedicated to protecting free markets and the Constitution.

Despite never attending college, Kirk's organization gained significant traction during the 2016 presidential campaign, where he served as secretary to Donald Trump Jr. Turning Point USA expanded to 1,800 chapters and 600,000 members, generating annual revenues of $80 million. Kirk reportedly earned a salary of $407,000 as CEO and lived in a $5 million home in Arizona.

Kirk also hosted a daily radio program, the Charlie Kirk Show, which gained popularity on podcast platforms. He was active on social media, amassing millions of followers across various platforms. However, his claims were often criticized, with 90% of his statements rated as false or misleading by fact-checkers.

Kirk was known for his confrontational style, often engaging with left-wing students during campus events. He was shot during one of these events at Utah Valley University. Following his death, several right-wing figures, including Steve Bannon, paid tribute to him, calling him "America's greatest Christian martyr."

Throughout his career, Kirk expressed controversial views on various topics. He argued against abortion, stating, "It is never right to justify the mass elimination or termination of people under the guise of saying they're 'unwanted.'" He also rejected the concept of transgender identity, labeling it a "mental disease" and advocating for strict definitions of gender.

Kirk was vocal about his beliefs regarding Islam, claiming it was incompatible with Western civilization. He also promoted the conspiracy theory of the "Great Replacement," suggesting that immigration policies were aimed at replacing white Americans.

In the wake of his assassination, the conservative movement is reflecting on Kirk's impact and legacy. His death has sparked discussions about political violence and the safety of public figures in the current political climate.