Conservative activist and staunch Donald Trump loyalist Charlie Kirk was shot dead on Thursday (NZ time) while attending an event at Utah Valley University. He was 31years old.
Kirk, a polarising figure in American politics, rose to prominence as the founder of Turning Point USA, an organisation he launched in 2012 at the age of 18 to rally conservative support on liberal-leaning college campuses.
Initially met with limited success, his combative style and willingness to confront progressive ideas soon won him the backing of wealthy conservative donors, propelling him into the national spotlight.
Through his podcasts, social media presence, and campus tours, Kirk positioned himself at the centre of the American culture wars, sparking debate on contentious issues such as abortion, climate change, transgender identity, and family values.
His group, Turning Point USA, grew into a major force within the Republican movement, playing a key role in mobilising young conservatives during Trump’s presidential campaigns, including the 2024 race.
Kirk’s outspoken Christian evangelical faith deeply shaped his politics. He often rejected the notion of separating church and state, once declaring at a rally in Georgia that Democrats “stand for everything God hates,” as thousands of supporters joined him in chanting “Christ is King.” He frequently referenced the Seven Mountain Mandate, which calls on Christians to influence politics, education, media, and other key sectors of society, Stuff reported.
According to a report by Stuff, Former President Donald Trump, who counted Kirk as a close ally and confidant, paid tribute to him on Truth Social. “No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie,” Trump wrote. Speaking to the New York Post, Trump added: “He was a very, very good friend of mine and he was a tremendous person.”
Kirk’s death adds to a troubling wave of political gun violence in the United States. He had been a fixture on college campuses and conservative platforms for over a decade, defending what he called the “MAGA doctrine”, a vision of American renewal rooted in nationalism, faith, and populist ideals.
Police in Utah have yet to release further details about the shooting.
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