Charlie Kirk (1993–2025) was a prominent American right-wing political activist, media personality, and founder of the conservative organization Turning Point USA (TPUSA). Here is an overview of his background, family, education, and career:
Background and Early Life
Birth and Family: Charles James Kirk was born on October 14, 1993, in Arlington Heights, Illinois, and raised in Prospect Heights, a suburb of Chicago. His mother worked as a mental health counselor, and his father was an architect 12.
Early Interests: Kirk was an Eagle Scout and developed an interest in politics during high school. He volunteered for Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mark Kirk (no relation) and campaigned against a price increase for cookies in his school cafeteria. He also wrote an essay for Breitbart News criticizing liberal bias in textbooks, which led to an appearance on Fox Business 1.
Education
Kirk attended Wheeling High School and later enrolled at Harper College, a community college near Chicago. He dropped out before completing a degree to pursue political activism full-time, influenced by Bill Montgomery, a Tea Party activist 12.
Career
Turning Point USA (TPUSA):
Kirk co-founded TPUSA in 2012 at the age of 18. The organization aimed to promote conservative ideals like fiscal responsibility, free markets, and limited government on college campuses. It grew significantly with backing from donors like Foster Friess and expanded to over 850 chapters 123.
Initiatives under TPUSA included the "Professor Watchlist" (highlighting allegedly biased academics) and the "School Board Watchlist" 1.
Media and Public Speaking:
Kirk hosted The Charlie Kirk Show, a daily conservative talk radio program, which gained millions of downloads and subscribers. He was also a frequent commentator on cable news and social media, known for debating topics like transgender rights, climate change, and critical race theory 125.
He authored books, including The MAGA Doctrine, and spoke at events like the Republican National Convention and Oxford Union 23.
Political Influence:
Kirk was a close ally of Donald Trump and played a key role in mobilizing youth support for Trump's campaigns. He advised Trump on youth outreach and was appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors in 2025 135.
He expanded his activism through affiliates like Turning Point Action (focused on voter recruitment) and Turning Point Faith (targeting religious communities) 1.
Controversies:
Kirk was criticized for promoting conspiracy theories, misinformation about COVID-19, and false claims about voter fraud. He also faced accusations of antisemitism and racism 125.
Financial practices at TPUSA were scrutinized, including reports of Kirk's increased salary and contracts benefiting his associates 1.
Family and Personal Life
Marriage and Children: Kirk married Erika Frantzve, a former Miss Arizona USA, in 2021. They had two young children: a daughter born in 2022 and a son born in May 2024. Frantzve was a podcaster, entrepreneur, and philanthropist 45.
Religion and Values: Kirk identified as an evangelical Christian and integrated his faith into his political messaging, often referencing the "Seven Mountain Mandate" and emphasizing family values 35.
Death
Kirk was fatally shot on September 10, 2025, while speaking at a TPUSA event at Utah Valley University. The incident was described as a politically motivated assassination, and investigations were ongoing at the time of reporting 56.
Legacy
Kirk was remembered as a charismatic figure who shaped conservative youth activism. Despite controversies, he significantly influenced Republican politics and grassroots mobilization 235.
For more details, you can refer to the provided sources 123.
Manhunt underway after conservative activist Charlie Kirk shot dead on Utah campus
Authorities in Utah said there is an active investigation. Aperson who had been taken into custody for interrogation was released this evening, sources told CNN.