Charlie Kirk was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon at Utah Valley University during a stop on his “American Comeback Tour” – a fall speaking series on college campuses featuring the “Prove Me Wrong” table, where he invited anyone to step up to the mic and challenge his ideas in civilized, open debate.
As reported on Thursday’s AM Update, Kirk was murdered while doing what he loved, speaking to young people about tough political issues. The gathering began with Charlie greeting the large crowd surrounding his tent. During the second question of “Prove Me Wrong,” an audience member was asking Kirk about transgender shooters when a single shot struck Kirk in the neck.
He was quickly evacuated by his security team and transported to a nearby hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
Kirk’s Meteoric Rise
Kirk was 31 years old and a lion of a man. Nine years ago, at age 22, he was carrying Donald Trump, Jr.’s bags and getting him sodas on the 2016 campaign trail. Five years before that, he reached out to Glenn Beck on Twitter, writing, “I am [a] 17 high school student, listen to you every day. I speak for local Tea Party’s about debt and deficit. Fight liberal bias.”
By 2024, he had become an inspirational orator and a happy warrior for President Donald Trump’s policies, going from college campus to college campus to engage with young voters and convert them into Trump fans.
He co-founded Turning Point USA to organize right-leaning young people into a conservative force, and it quickly grew into the largest youth organization in the United States with more than 3,500 chapters. In 2019, he expanded its mission with Turning Point Action, a political advocacy group that allowed the movement to get directly involved in politics.
A TikTok survey found that, for Trump voters under 30 in 2024, Kirk was the most trusted voice. And President Trump credited him with delivering the youth vote for him in numbers that stunned the nation. Kirk, meanwhile, gave the credit to God.
In addition to his work at Turning Point, Kirk hosted a daily three-hour radio show and popular podcast. The larger-than-life figure became a gifted public speaker and debater, engaging the opposition with good humor, kindness, and a willingness to listen despite the risks involved.
Above all, Kirk was a man of faith and family. He is survived by his wife Erica and their two small children.
Kirk’s ‘Empire of Influence’
As Megyn said, he built an “empire of influence” talking about politics, culture, faith, dating, marriage, and fatherhood. He saw a lost generation of struggling American young men and spoke directly to them about their worth and their dignity. Kirk’s legacy is far-reaching and will no doubt be felt for decades to come as the young people he so inspired with his message become the leaders of tomorrow.
In the wake of his shocking death, Megyn was joined by some of the colleagues and friends who knew him best to reflect of his remarkable life, what he leaves behind, and how his mission can be carried on.
Remembering Charlie
Donald Trump Jr. Remembers His Close Friend and ‘Little Brother’
In his first interview since the assassination, the first son reflected on the loss of his close friend, what Kirk meant to President Trump, the legacy he leaves behind, and more.
Vivek Ramaswamy Shares How He Came to Know Charlie
The Ohio gubernatorial candidate joined Megyn right after the news of Kirk’s death on Wednesday and shared how he got to know the conservative icon, the work they did together, and more.
Tucker Carlson Reflects on the Charlie Kirk He Knew Well
Carlson reflected on the kindness and grace Kirk showed to everyone, the vile comments from those expressing satisfaction over his assassination, the dark state we are living in now, and more.
His Legacy
Charlie Kirk’s Legacy of Faith and Patriotism
Megyn and Tucker Carlson discussed Kirk’s legacy of faith and patriotism, the impact he made on U.S. politics and the next generation of leaders, the danger those in the political spotlight face, and more.
Charlie Kirk’s Massive Impact on America’s Next Generation
Moments after the news of his death, Megyn and Emily Jashinsky reflected on his impact on young people, how his faith drove his life and work, and more.
Passing the Torch
What We All Must Do Now to Honor Charlie Kirk
Benny Johnson joined Megyn to discuss how we must honor Kirk’s life and mission, how the Turning Point organization and those around him are holding up, what Kirk’s haters don’t understand about his grace and kindness, and more.
You can check out Megyn’s full analysis by tuning in to episode 1,146 on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you like to listen. And don’t forget that you can catch The Megyn Kelly Show live on SiriusXM’s Triumph (channel 111) weekdays from 12pm to 2pm ET.