Photo by Gage Skidmore
By Madalyn Paltzik, a student at Phoenix Country Day School and Intern at Rose Law Group pc
On September 10, 2025, Charlie Kirk, conservative youth activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot while speaking at a “Prove Me Wrong / American Comeback Tour” event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. He was speaking on stage in front of roughly 3,000 people when a shot rang out from a rooftop about 200 yards away.
After two false arrests, the FBI has confirmed that the suspect, Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old male from Utah, is now in custody. Since the arrest, they have found notable evidence supporting Robinson’s guilt, such as family and friend conversations and confessions, including a text exchange with another individual, in which Robinson stated that he “had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and that he was going to do it.”
The weapon has since been recovered, found in a bush near the roof where the shooter was positioned, with traces of DNA matching that of the suspect. It is now known to be a bolt-action rifle—specifically reported as a Mauser .30-06 model—with bullet casings engraved with a variety of messages, including, among others, the anti-fascist inscription: “Hey fascist! Catch!”
Charlie Kirk’s legacy began at the age of 18, when he co-founded Turning Point USA (TPUSA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting conservative ideas on high school and college campuses. Playing a visible role in the conservative movement, TPUSA provided a platform for youth conservatism and supported young voices nationwide, especially during Trump’s 2016, 2020, and 2024 campaigns. In 2019, the organization started Turning Point Action (TPAction), a 501(c)(4) arm, and later Turning Point Faith. His work earned him a spot in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in Law & Policy, and his personal brand expanded into The Charlie Kirk Show, podcast, and conservative media output as he built TPUSA into a major force on campuses, online, and in youth political circles. At the center of Charlie’s work, politically and otherwise, was always his faith. A devout Christian, he often said it was central to his worldview. He tied his belief in America’s founding values to biblical principles of truth, responsibility, and freedom, frequently framing the defense of Christianity and religion as essential to preserving the Constitution and the nation’s moral foundation. Kirk’s speeches blended scripture with conservative political arguments, openly praying at events and encouraging young conservatives to ground their activism not just in politics, but in a deeper relationship with God. He often said faith gave him courage when facing
hostility or criticism, believing that reviving Christian values was the antidote to division, despair, and moral confusion in society.
Responses to the assassination flooded news reports this past week, with reactions to its coverage less than positive. Conservatives are upset with the use of the tragedy to fuel liberal agendas (the ‘anti-gun’ movement) and the lack of respect for Charlie Kirk, even despite political differences. An MSNBC analyst, Matthew Dowd, made remarks suggesting that Kirk “could have been accidentally shot by one of his own supporters” and that hateful speech begets hateful actions—claims many saw as insensitive and unfounded. Dowd was later fired after widespread backlash.
Some responses from across the media and social media shifted quickly into partisan blame games—“left vs right” narratives—instead of focusing first on the human tragedy, the family, the value of free speech, or the threat to democracy. Turning tragedy into political ammunition rather than a shared moment of sorrow and resolve does little more than fuel the fire between parties, further eroding trust and unity. It is impossible to ignore the obvious: a man’s life was deemed worth taking because he spoke his mind and shared his beliefs. In a country built on the freedom of speech and opinion, an attack like this shakes the very foundation of America. Even still, it is cruel to take Kirk’s death to the political stage. The only appropriate response to the murder of any individual—left, right, or otherwise—is grief and respect. Let it be said clearly: no rhetoric, no disagreement, no grievance can ever excuse or rationalize the deliberate murder of Charlie Kirk. There is no justification.
Charlie Kirk leaves behind his wife and two young children (ages one and three). Kirk’s wife, Erika Kirk, shared a Bible verse on social media earlier on Wednesday, writing, “Psalm 46:1 – God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” She recently addressed the shooting for the first time in a speech run across news networks and social media platforms worldwide, saying, “You have no idea the fire you have ignited within this wife, the cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry,” adding, through tears, “I will never ever have the words to describe the loss that I feel in my heart. I honestly have no idea what any of this means, I know that God does, but I don’t.”
President Donald Trump himself announced Kirk’s death on social media, writing, “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” and, “No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. 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 has since chosen to award Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously in his honor and ordered all flags to be flown at half mast until last Sunday night.
Charlie Kirk’s body was flown from Salt Lake City, Utah, back to his home state of Arizona aboard Air Force Two, in a solemn, high-profile transfer led by Vice President J.D. Vance. Vance helped carry the casket onto the aircraft during a private base ceremony, joined on the tarmac by Erika Kirk and Second Lady Usha Vance. Once in Arizona, the casket was taken to Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix in preparation for the funeral, which President Trump plans to attend. A memorial service for the public will be held in the Cardinals football stadium in Arizona this Sunday, and the TPUSA headquarters (AZ) remains open for visitors to pay their respects.
While facts are still unfolding, the national reaction already reveals troubling divides. When someone takes a life simply for opposing political beliefs—even beliefs one may vehemently oppose—they affirm a tyranny of violence over the democratic process. Charlie Kirk’s death isn’t just the loss of one conservative voice. It threatens the right of every American to speak, to challenge, to protest, and to disagree. Violence is simply the refuge of those without ideas powerful enough to win in a challenge of thought.
