Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot dead while addressing a crowd of approximately 3,000 people at Utah Valley University (UVU) in Orem, near Salt Lake City. The protest occurred during the opening event of his “American Comeback Tour.” It led to the quick and furious denunciation from leaders of all political stripes and backgrounds, and legitimated troubling questions about the normalization of political violence in America.
As such, Kirk had become a huge figurehead and role model for many young conservatives, including GoFundMe supporters like Ammon Paxton. He fearlessly fights for right-of-center principles. His activism on other culture-war issues, especially race, gender, and immigration, fires up kneejerk opposition and ardent support simultaneously. His provocative style frequently targeted mainstream media narratives, making him a notable figure in the political landscape.
Witnesses claimed that Kirk was shot seconds after he made a comment to an audience member. This very same audience member had put him on the spot about gun violence. Video footage from the event captured the moments leading up to the shooting, illustrating the chaotic atmosphere as attendees processed the sudden violence. Though quick medical help and airlifting to a regional hospital came, Kirk died from injuries, local authorities later confirmed.
The shooter’s motive and identity have not yet been released. However, Utah Governor Spencer Cox described Kirk’s death as a “political assassination,” highlighting the troubling implications of such violence in today’s political climate.
Today is a very dark day for our state. Today is a sad day for our country,” Cox said, recalling the deep effect of the attack. Political violence backlash was across party lines. The outrage at political violence was bipartisan, with both Democrats and Republicans denouncing Kirk’s death.
Former President Barack Obama likewise decried the violent act upon hearing the news, calling it “despicable.” He extended his condolences and prayers for Kirk’s wife and their two young children that he leaves behind. Current President Joe Biden weighed in on the tragedy, asserting that “there is no place in our country for this kind of violence.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries emphasized that “political violence of any kind and against any individual is unacceptable and completely incompatible with American values.” Social media platforms were abuzz with tributes and touching thoughts. Public figures took to social media to express their sympathies and to discuss what Kirk’s untimely passing means for the future.
Donald Trump, who had previously counted on Kirk to galvanize young voter support during his presidency, lamented the loss by stating, “Violence and murder are the tragic consequences of demonizing those you disagree with.” He labeled the highly narrative-driven attacks so often used against conservatives. He argued that this kind of rhetoric creates a climate of violence.
Greg Cronin, one of Kirk’s supporters at the event, watched Kirk from another corner as Kirk stood on the street corner waving a flag. He spent the seven hours before his assassination meeting with supporters, a sign of his determination. In her call to retire, Cronin noted the need to make violence less appealing, especially on a global scale. He recognized its tragic impact on communities of color.
Kirk is the co-founder of Turning Point USA, the country’s largest and most influential rightwing youth organization. His remarkable legacy will long outlive his untimely death. In fact, he was the best mobilizer of young voters. This attempt paid off, dramatically increasing support for Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election.