On September 10, 2025, one of the strongest and brightest voices of the contemporary political movement was tragically shot and killed. Charles James Kirk was assassinated while debating students at an outdoor event hosted by Utah Valley University. He was just 31 years old.
Ironically, given his trademark campus appearances, Charlie himself did not graduate from college. Rather, he dropped out after one semester so he could raise funds for his company, Turning Point USA, which he had founded at just 18 years of age. Lacking a formal education, much of his own edification was through action and collaboration, and he perpetuated that legacy by bringing critical rhetoric and intellectual debate to young people across a nation he loved so dearly.
He became a booming voice in the MAGA movement, forging close friendships with much of the Trump family and was one of the primary ambassadors between the campaign and elusive young voters, helping deliver a second administration for the President. As a devout Christian, Kirk centered God in every conversation and also drew upon his values to continuously display patience and understanding while discussing often serious topics. While his beliefs were steadfast, he celebrated the potential of flawed humans to both do and be better every day. He was devoted to his loving wife Erica and their two young children, who often joined him on his tours of college campuses. Erica was selected in the days following his death to serve as the next CEO of Turning Point USA, underscoring the nature of their union as a team and emphasizing their closeness in marriage.
In the wake of his assassination, an outpouring of grief began across the United States that has scarcely been seen in a generation. Vigils and memorials were held, beginning the evening of his death and showing no signs of slowing. However, as has become typical in the American political landscape, there were plenty who found joy in his passing and the brutal video recording of Kirk being shot in the neck that played repeatedly on social media. Some celebrated, and some even called for further violence in the name of progressive politics. Large numbers lost their jobs due to such inappropriate revelries.
Following his death, Trump announced that Kirk would posthumously receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, an honor that has been extended to fewer than 700 Americans. His organization, Turning Point USA, reports that over 30,000 requests to form new chapters had been received in just 48 hours. The following week, the US House and Senate, in rare bipartisan agreement, declared Kirk’s upcoming birthday of October 14th a National Day of Remembrance. Both President Trump and Vice President Trump are expected to attend his memorial service.
In an interview just three months before his death, Kirk commented on his preferred legacy. “I want to be remembered for courage for my faith. That would be the most important thing. [The] most important thing is my faith."
What does the murder of Charlie Kirk say about the current state of politics in America? Should people lose their jobs over negative social media remarks regarding his death?
Hilary Gunn is a Connecticut native with a degree in Criminal Justice from the George Washington University. She works for a nonprofit and has previously collaborated with the CT GOP as an activist, political campaign manager and field director, and social media organizer. She is currently serving in her fourth term of municipal office and has previously acted as a delegate on the Republican Town Committee.