Charlie Kirk, MAGA movement activist and founder of Turning Point USA, has reportedly died after he was shot during a speaking event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. He was 31.
Kirk, a close ally of President Donald Trump and the MAGA movement, was speaking to a large crowd on campus during his "America Comeback tour" when a shooter opened fire, striking him in the neck. Kirk had been responding to an audience question related to gun violence and transgender shooters.
He founded Turning Point USA — the pre-eminent right-wing youth activist organization — in 2012 in the Chicago suburbs with William Montgomery, a Tea Party activist.
Kirk hosted a podcast, radio show and toured college campuses, aiming to mobilize young conservatives across America.
The grassroots conservative activist and social media influencer spoke at more than 3,500 college and high school campuses in the U.S. and hosted his radio show on Salem News Channel.
Trump has credited Kirk for his work mobilizing the youth vote, citing his work on the ground as crucial for his 2024 election victory.
He is survived by his wife, Erika, and two children.