On 10 September 2025, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot during a university event in Utah. Less than two weeks later, President Donald Trump honoured him at a memorial service attended by tens of thousands, calling Kirk 'a great American hero' and 'our greatest evangelist for American liberty.'
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The service, held at State Farm Stadium in Arizona, turned into a deeply partisan rally where political tributes mingled with gospel music and fervent chants. So, who exactly was Charlie Kirk, and what do we know about the events leading up to his death? Here's everything we know so far.
Charlie Kirk: The MAGA movement's young firebrand
Charlie Kirk rose to prominence as the co-founder of Turning Point USA, a conservative student organisation he launched at just 18. Known for his combative debating style, he frequently held campus events under banners like 'Prove me wrong', which drew large student crowds and viral online moments. As reported by BBC, Kirk built a strong following on social media with over 5 million followers on X and 7 million on TikTok, using these platforms to amplify his right-wing Christian message.
Kirk's confrontational approach to politics often stirred controversy. During a podcast in 2020, he referred to George Floyd as a 'scumbag.' In another episode in 2023, he remarked: 'prowling blacks go around for fun to go target white people'. He was also accused of antisemitism in 2023 after saying on his show that:
Jewish communities have been pushing the exact kind of hatred against whites that they claim to want people to stop using against them.
Despite the backlash, Kirk remained a central figure in conservative politics. President Trump once said Kirk could become president one day, and Kirk regularly attended White House events. His wife, Erika Kirk, has now been named CEO of Turning Point USA. At the memorial, she said:
You have no idea the fire that you have ignited within this wife...if you thought that my husband's mission was powerful before, you have no idea.
The shocking killing at Utah Valley University
Kirk was speaking at Utah Valley University when he was killed by a single rifle shot. According to Reuters, prosecutors allege that 22-year-old Tyler Robinson fired the fatal shot from a rooftop. Robinson has been charged with aggravated murder and six other criminal counts, including obstruction of justice and witness tampering.
Court documents cited by Reuters reveal that Robinson allegedly confessed in text messages to his roommate and romantic partner. In one, he reportedly wrote:
I had enough of his hatred.
He is also accused of writing a note that read:
I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.
DNA linked Robinson to the weapon, which he reportedly left in a bush before turning himself in. Prosecutors say he had planned the attack for more than a week. They have confirmed they will seek the death penalty, citing the politically motivated nature of the crime and the presence of children at the event.
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Sources used:
BBC: Charlie Kirk, the conservative influencer who became the voice of Maga youth
BBC: Trump hails Charlie Kirk as martyr to thousands at memorial service
Reuters: Prosecutors to seek death penalty for Charlie Kirk's accused assassin
