Charlie Kirk, a close ally of US President Donald Trump and the founder of Turning Point USA, was shot during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday. He was speaking inside a tent when gunshots rang out, and he was hit on the side of his neck.
He was rushed to the hospital after the incident but later succumbed to his injuries. The news of his passing was confirmed by Trump on Truth Social. Several leaders, including Vice President JD Vance, condemned the incident and expressed their shock.
He was a well-known conservative figure. Kirk founded Turning Point USA (TPUSA) in 2012, which is a student movement that promotes free markets and limited government. Under his leadership, TPUSA grew rapidly, gaining representation in more than 2,000 high schools and college campuses across the country, with over 260,000 student members. The group’s revenues were estimated at $85 million, according to ProPublica.
Kirk became a regular face on conservative media, appearing on Fox News, CNBC, and FOX Business News more than 200 times. His podcast and radio show also brought him nationwide recognition.
Financially, Kirk was successful. Celebrity Net Worth estimated his fortune at around $12 million. Reports revealed that in 2023, he owned three properties worth over a million each, including a $4.75 million Spanish-style home in a gated Arizona golf club.
Earlier, he had purchased an $855,000 oceanfront condo in Florida. ProPublica reported that his earnings from TPUSA reached $300,000 in 2020.
His influence, especially among the younger generation, was immense. He empowered students to champion conservative values and built TPUSA into one of the largest student organisations in the United States.
Shivam Verma is a journalist with over three years of experience in digital newsrooms. He currently works at NewsX, having previously worked for Firstpost and DNA India. A postgraduate diploma holder in Integrated Journalism from the Asian College of Journalism, Chennai, Shivam focuses on international affairs, diplomacy, defence, and politics. Beyond the newsroom, he is passionate about football—both playing and watching—and enjoys travelling to explore new places and cuisines.
