Charlie Kirk Was Shot and Killed on September 10

Conservative commentator and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk was tragically shot and killed on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University during the first stop of his American Comeback Tour. He was rushed to a local hospital but did not survive. He leaves behind his wife, Erika Kirk, and their two young children.

A Life Cut Short During His Mission

Charlie was sitting at his well-known “Prove Me Wrong” table, a signature part of his events where he debated students, professors, and members of the public on issues of faith, politics, and culture.

Utah Valley University was intended to be the beginning of a multi-campus tour that would have also visited Colorado State University, University of Minnesota, Virginia Tech, Utah State, Montana State, University of North Dakota, Indiana University, Louisiana State University, and Ole Miss.

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On Friday, September 12, President Donald Trump confirmed that the FBI had taken the suspected shooter into custody. The suspect is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday, September 16, facing charges of aggravated murder, obstruction, and firearm violations.

Remembering Charlie as Husband and Father

Though his public career was often headline-making, those closest to him knew Charlie first and foremost as a devoted husband and father.

Charlie met Erika Frantzve (later Erika Kirk) in 2018 after reaching out on Instagram, initially to recruit her to the Turning Point USA team. Erika, a former Miss Arizona USA and outspoken Christian conservative, impressed him so much during their first meeting at a New York City restaurant that the “job interview” quickly became a date.

The two married on May 8, 2021. They welcomed their daughter in 2022 and a son in 2024. Their children’s names have been kept private.

A Love Story Shared With Their Daughter

Just days after his passing, Erika posted a deeply emotional video of Charlie with their daughter, filmed at the very same restaurant where he and Erika first met.

“Story time,” Charlie says in the clip. “So, we’re here at Bill’s Burgers in New York City. And right at this very table was the first time that Dad met Mama, and it started out as a job interview.”

He continues, with a smile:

“I was asking all these questions [about] philosophy, religion, Jesus, and then I realized mama was beautiful and smart and elegant and Christ-like, and so I said, ‘Forget this job interview! I want to date you.’ I said, ‘I have enough friends.’ And that’s where your journey started.”

The video, captioned by Erika as “…my favorite love story”, struck a chord with thousands who offered prayers, love, and condolences for the Kirk family.