Conservative activist Charlie Kirk dead at 31

(NewsNation) — Conservative activist Charlie Kirk died Wednesday after he was shot during an event at Utah Valley University.

The Turning Point USA co-founder and popular media personality was 31 years old.

Born and raised in the Chicago suburbs, Kirk became politically active as a teenager and launched Turning Point USA, a conservative advocacy group, in 2012 when he was just 18 years old. 

Kirk's rhetorical skills and unabashed patriotism attracted major Republican donors, and four years later, he became the youngest speaker at the 2016 Republican National Convention.

Over the years, Kirk and his grassroots organization grew in prominence, and he eventually became one of the most influential figures in the conservative universe.

He was a close ally of President Donald Trump, who announced the 31-year-old's death, calling Kirk "Great, and even Legendary" in a post on Truth Social.

"No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie," Trump wrote.

The president continued: "He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!"

Trump frequently credited Kirk, who had millions of followers on social media, for driving more young voters to the polls in his successful 2024 campaign.

Kirk was perhaps best known for his fiery debates, verbally sparring with students on college campuses across the country. Clips showing Kirk discussing hot-button issues with critics often went viral on social media.

He was the author of four books and hosted “The Charlie Kirk Show,” a conservative talk radio program. Kirk also served as a personal aide to Donald Trump Jr., the president’s eldest son.

Following the news of Kirk's death, Donald Trump Jr. wrote: "I love you brother. You gave so many people the courage to speak up and we will not ever be silenced."

Kirk is survived by his wife and two children.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.