On September 10, 2025, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated at one of his debates at Utah Valley University in Utah.

In the midst of one of his debates for his organization “Turning Point USA”, Kirk was fatally shot in the neck by the bullet of a Mauser 98, a bolt-action rifle, leading him to perish almost immediately from blood loss and puncture wounds. He was in the middle of addressing gun violence.

After a few inaccurate suspects and detainments, police were led to the shooter. Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested by authorities after a 33-hour manhunt.

Robinson’s father had recognized pictures of his son fleeing the scene, urging him to turn himself in. Initially resisting, Robinson later changed his mind. His father contacted a youth pastor, formerly a U.S. Marshals Task Force officer, leading the information to be conveyed to the FBI.

The FBI discovered a Discord platform under the name “Tyler” that referenced the gun wrapped in a towel in the woods with engravings on the bullets– the same bullets later found at the scene.

Many believe his reasonings behind the shooting were based on political disagreements, but the motive is still unsure. Robinson claimed that Kirk was “full of hate and spread hate” days before the assassination took place.

Days after the assassination, many supporters of Kirk set up memorials around the country, decorated with flowers, candles, and pictures of Kirk. But this didn’t mean that the uproar was over.

In 2012 at only 18 years old, Charlie Kirk founded the nonprofit organization “Turning Point USA” in hopes to expose the truth and encourage the conservative party’s beliefs that lie within. “Kirk poured his life into building a movement rooted in faith, freedom, and love of country. He believed America’s future depended on raising up a generation who would NEVER SURRENDER,” tpusa.com states.

With millions of Americans in support of Charlie Kirk and his organization, students have begun rallying, volunteers have stepped up, and vigils have filled churches and schools.

Kirk was married with two children—a son and a daughter, both under the age of four. His wife, Erika Kirk, delivered a speech a few days after his death, addressing his legacy. Click here to watch: Mrs. Erika Kirk Makes Her First Public Address.