The assassination of Charlie Kirk has ignited the world. A conservative political activist who engaged in robust debate with college students on campuses across the country, Kirk founded Turning Point USA and was credited as an integral force in the election of President Donald Trump. Kirk, a loving husband and father of two young children, advocated for a return to conservative ideals such as free speech, free markets and American patriotism. He was also a devout Christian who boldly shared his faith and encouraged youth to embrace traditional Judeo-Christian values — to marry, have children and raise a family. It was during a stop for “The American Comeback Tour” at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, 2025, that Kirk was fatally shot at age 31, just moments after he had shared the gospel and was answering a question about gun violence.
While the 22-year-old gunman said he wanted to silence what he viewed as hate, the tragedy sparked a fire of revival. People around the world took to the streets in prayer in an outpouring of support, saying, “We are all Charlie Kirk.” Many shared they had purchased a Bible or stepped into church for the first time because of Kirk.
Days after his death, his widow, Erika Kirk, addressed his passing from the set of The Charlie Kirk Show. She said Charlie wanted to be remembered for his courage and faith, and he would eternally stand at his Savior’s side wearing “the glorious crown of a martyr.” She committed to continuing her husband’s mission, saying, “You have no idea what you have unleashed.” Turning Point USA received more than 18,000 new chapter requests the next day.
Vice President J.D. Vance carried Kirk’s casket after it was transported to Phoenix aboard Air Force Two, with his wife, Usha Vance, standing beside Erika Kirk in support. Prayer vigils were held across the nation, and more than 200,000 people attended Kirk’s memorial service Sept. 21, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, with more than 100 million people watching via livestream.
The service began with two hours of live, spirit-filled worship led by contemporary Christian artists and opportunities were given for attendees to acknowledge Jesus as their Lord and Savior. More than 22 of Kirk’s friends, co-workers and national political leaders spoke, many citing Scripture and boldly sharing their faith.
During his remarks, Vance said, “You expected a funeral. Instead, we have had a revival.”
President Trump called Kirk “our greatest evangelist for American liberty” and announced he would award him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
During an emotional eulogy, Erika Kirk stunned the crowd when she said her husband had a heart for young men like his killer. “On the cross, our Savior said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’ That man, that young man, I forgive him,” she said, as the audience rose in a standing ovation, many in tears. “I forgive him because it was what Christ did. And what Charlie would do. The answer to hate is not hate. The answer, we know from the gospel, is love — and always love. Love for our enemies and love for those who persecute us.”
RIP
Charlie Kirk 1993 – 2025
October 14, 1993 – Born in Arlington Heights, Illinois to Robert and Kathryn Kirk.
2003 – Made Jesus the “Chairman of the Board of his life” as a 5th grader at Christian Heritage Academy.
2007 – Earned Eagle Scout from Boy Scouts of America.
2010 – Volunteered on the successful U.S. Senate campaign of Illinois Republican Mark Kirk (no relation) during his junior year at Wheeling High School.
2011 – Attended Harper College and completed 31 online courses at Hillsdale College where he was later awarded an honorary degree by Hillsdale College President Larry P. Arnn.
2012 – Appeared on Fox News in response to his Breitbart Op Ed on Textbook bias.
2012 – Co-founded Turning Point USA, a conservative advocacy group with chapters on college and high school campuses, at the age of 18. Engaged youth in open debates on campuses, boldly sharing his faith.
2014 – Moved TPUSA to Arizona and expanded operations.
2016 – Gained national recognition for involvement in Donald Trump’s presidential campaign.
July 2019 – Began The Charlie Kirk Show podcast.
2019 – Formed Turning Point Action to encourage grassroots activism and provide voters with the necessary resources to elect true conservative leaders.
2020 – Founded TPUSA Faith with Pastor Rob McCoy, of Godspeak Calvary Chapel, empowering Christians to put their faith into action and unite the Church around primary doctrine.
August 24, 2020 – Spoke at the Republican National Convention.
May 8, 2021 – Married Erika Frantzve, former Miss Arizona, and a self-described “driven social entrepreneur, passionate ministry leader and woman of deep faith.”
2021 – Launched AmericaFest, a 4-day conference in Phoenix, Arizona.
August 2022 – Charlie and Erika become parents with the birth of their baby girl.
2022 – Spoke at the 2022 Conservative Action Conference (CPAC).
May 2024 – The Kirks’ son was born.
2024 – Spearheaded TPUSA Action “Chase The Vote” catalyzing youth to get out and vote for Donald Trump and other conservative candidates.
2024 – Addressed the 2024 Republication National Convention.
September 10, 2025 – Murdered at the age of 31.
For information on Turning Point USA, visit tpusa.com
For more Good News, read the GOOD NEWS October 2025 Issue at: https://digital.goodnewsfl.org/2025/october/