Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist, was fatally shot at an event at Utah Valley University, President Trump confirmed.

Kirk is a well-known right-wing activist who helped found conservative youth organization Turning Point USA. He has millions of followers on social media and is considered one of the most popular conservative media personalities.

Kirk took Turning Point from one of a constellation of well-funded conservative groups to the center of the right-of-center universe.

The group is known for its flamboyant events that often feature strobe lighting and pyrotechnics. It claims more than 250,000 student members.

Kirk is known for attending events at high schools and colleges across the country while advocating for right-wing views.

Because of this, Kirk is seen by some as a controversial figure, as he tends to argue with people who do not agree with his points of view. He often records these arguments and posts them to social media for people to discuss.

Early Life & Education

• Born: October 14, 1993, in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Raised: Prospect Heights, Illinois. Education: Briefly attended Harper College before dropping out to pursue activism full-time. Family: His mother was a mental health counselor; his father, an architect

Rise to Prominence

Founded TPUSA in 2012 at just 18 years old, with backing from conservative donors like Foster Friess. TPUSA focused on mobilizing high school and college students around conservative values, often through viral campus debates and flashy events Kirk later launched Turning Point Action, Turning Point Faith, and Turning Point Academy, expanding his influence into political advocacy and religious communities

Media & Influence

Hosted The Charlie Kirk Show, a daily conservative talk radio program and podcast. Known for his “Prove Me Wrong” campus tour, where he debated students on hot-button issues. Frequently appeared on Fox News and other conservative platforms.