On September 10, 2025, 31-year-old conservative political activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated while speaking before college students at Utah Valley University. Kirk was famously known for debating college students on his right-wing beliefs, which were considered controversial by many. Also a devout Christian, he sometimes used his religious beliefs to support many of his political beliefs. Kirk’s stop at Utah Valley University was the first of many on his American Comeback Tour with Turning Point USA, his organization.

While conversing with an audience member about mass shootings, Kirk was fatally shot in the neck and later pronounced dead at the hospital. In the audience were thousands of students and other attendees, including his wife, Erika Kirk, and their two young daughters. The following day, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson surrendered himself to the town sheriff and was charged with murder. The assassination was denounced by leaders worldwide, who claimed that it highlighted gun violence in the United States. U.S. President Donald Trump spoke out against the incident and expressed his disappointment and melancholy.

Kirk’s funeral was held on September 21 in his home state of Arizona, where speakers such as Kirk’s wife, Erika, and President Trump took to the stage. Trump spoke about continuing Kirk’s legacy, further investigating the incident and the assassin himself, and supporting the Kirk family.

Charlie Kirk’s death was not just a murder, but also a representation of gun and political violence in America. In the wake of his death, his family and friends promise to carry on the legacy he worked hard to create.