A few seconds earlier, Charlie Kirk gave a concise answer to the provocative question. “How many transgender Americans have made mass murders in the last 10 years?” Asked a young man from the audience. On the University of Utah Valley, the September sun shone high in the sky. It was a beautiful day, late summer, and Kirk was wearing a white T -shirt with the inscription “Freedom” [Wolność]. He sat with a microphone in his hand in the shade of the tent.
“Too many” – answered Kirk. The viewers began to clap. “OK” – continued the young man. “Do you know how many mass killings have taken place in the United States in the last 10 years?” “Do we include the crimes committed by criminal gangs or not?” Asked Kirk.
A single shot is heard at the same time.
The films show how Kirk hit the left side of the neck, until the wounds spilled blood. Kirka's head lean back, and then the 31-year-old fell to the ground.
Two hours later, US President Donald Trump confirmed what could be deduced from the photos: “The wonderful and even legendary Charlie Kirk is dead. Nobody understood young people in the United States of America, he didn't feel much for them than Charlie. He was loved and admired by everyone, especially by me, and now he is not among us. “
The flags on the White House and all federal buildings will be lowered to half the mast until Sunday.
Continued article under video material
Political violence
Not only Trump, but also his vice president JD Vance, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other high -ranking government representatives and Republicans, as well as numerous presidents expressed their shocking and sadness. Kirk was part of the White House, although he was not its official member.
Political violence is a tragic but integral part of the history of the United States. It includes the murders of the presidents of Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy, as well as his brother Bobby Kennedy and the murder of an activist for civil rights Martin Luther King.
Also, the attacks on high -ranking politicians are still a brutal reality. July 13, 2024, 20-year-old He shot at Donald Trump in Pennsylvania, when the then presidential candidate spoke during the election rally. The current US president avoided death for hair.
In June, the bomber shot in Minnesota a long -term democratic chairwoman of the House of Minnesota representatives, Melissa Hortman, and her husband at their home. Then he shot at the democratic senator John Hoffman and his wife. They both survived, referring severe injuries.
Charlie Kirk during Americafest, Phoenix, December 22, 2025.Rebecca Noble / AFP
The voice of young conservatives
Although Charlie Kirk was not a chosen politician, his death was caused by a political earthquake. Kirk was considered the undisputed voice of the young generation of conservatives. In 2012, at the age of 18, he founded “Turning Point USA” movement [Punkt zwrotny USA]which quickly became the most influential conservative youth organization in the country. He was supported by wealthy donors, such as the Koch brothers who were considered influential conservative and libertarian financiers in the USA.
Charismatic and eloquent Kirk filled university and event rooms. About 30 million followers had in social media. His annual Americafest festival in Arizona, organized since 2021, attracted tens of thousands of activists. The activist founded groups operating at over 800 universities. When Trump won the election in November 2024, it was speculated that Kirk would take a position in the administration. “Make America Great Again” movement [Uczyńmy Amerykę znów wielką] he decided that Kirk, free of all restrictions related to performing a public function, is More valuable “on the street”.
On Wednesday, he began his new route, which he called “The American Comeback Tour”. Under the tent pavilion, the father of two young children sat at his “Prove Me Wrong Table” – that is, the table “prove to me that I'm wrong”. This was the secret to Kirk's success: He challenged political opponents and tried to overcome them with brilliant arguments.
Many rejected his ultra -conservative views. Kirk, who as a “reborn Christian” belonged to the Evangelical Free Church, argued with the laws of transgender people and LGBTQ+movement. He was against the tightening of firearms and the US borders strictly insulated. Kirk described the theory of “great exchange” as “reality”. It is a common belief in right -wing circles that democrats let millions of immigrants into the country to demographically eliminate conservative voters.
Action of services after the murder of Charlie Kirk, Orem in Utah, September 10, 2025.Melissa Majchrzak / AFP
Mutual accusations
However, even his political opponents confirmed that Kirk showed courage and openness, not hiding behind microphones or websites, but looking for direct contact with their supporters and critics. How much this matter raised both sides, it was visible on Wednesday afternoon in the United States Congress. The announcer of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson called for a minute of silence, but the silence turned into Angry shouts between republicans and democratswho accused each other of causing public violence.
The influential right -wing commentator Laura Loomer published the live broadcast of the TMZ portal, on which, according to her information, journalists in the editorial office clap and cheered when news about Kirk's death appeared. “I will spend the night to reveal everyone I find on the internet and who celebrate his death.”
One person who was initially detained was released from detention in the evening after interrogation, as the director of FBI Kash Patel informed. The investigation continued. Security services have previously confirmed media reports, according to which the shooter fired a shot from a distance of about 180 m, probably from the roof of the university building located in front of the stage. The authorities assume that it was a deliberate act.
Kirk left Two young childrenone -year -old son and a three -year -old daughter. His wife Erik, an entrepreneur and was “Miss Arizona”, married him in May 2021.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
