The murder of Charlie Kirk has deeply shocked the conservative American world, turning him into a martyr figure for his supporters. President Donald Trump even stated that Kirk could have been president of the United States one day, writes A2 CNN. The 31-year-old activist leaves behind two young children, his grieving wife, Erica, 36, as well as a wide base of supporters who followed him through the years through debates on free speech on college campuses and his powerful campaign on social media.
Kirk founded the organization Turning Point USA (TPUSA) at the age of 18, along with his mentor Bill Montgomery, who died of Covid-19 in 2020. He built TPUSA into one of the country's most powerful political movements, galvanizing a new wave of young voters in support of Trump during the 2024 election.
According to public financial records, TPUSA reported revenue of $85 million in 2024 and nearly $18 million in net assets. Kirk himself received an annual salary of $285,000 from the organization, not including private speaking fees and profits from his books. In TPUSA's early days, his salary was just $27,000.
After the killing at a campus event in Utah, four of Kirk's books immediately climbed the New York Times and Amazon bestseller lists. Despite the loss of a central figure, his wife and Republican leaders have vowed to continue his political legacy, A2 CNN reports.
Kirk's body was flown to his Arizona home on Air Force Two on Thursday, after Vice President JD Vance flew to Utah to support Erika and the family. She said she still can't find the strength to tell her young children that "daddy's not coming back." Erika, the host of the podcast Midweek Rise Up and a former Miss Arizona, is expected to return to the family's $5.6 million Scottsdale mansion to care for the children. Trump said he spoke to her shortly after the incident and that she is relying on her faith in God during this difficult time.
In a television interview Friday, Trump said Kirk's widow intends to keep his mission alive through TPUSA. He added that his son, Barron Trump, one of Kirk's millions of fans, was also deeply affected by the tragic news.
Unlike traditional political organizations, TPUSA built a vast network, opening over 3,000 chapters on university campuses in all 50 states and later in other countries. The grand rallies, often broadcast live, put Kirk center stage, inspiring young people from all political backgrounds.
His influence extended to Trump's inner circle, with figures like Donald Trump Jr., Kimberly Guilfoyle, Eric and Lara Trump regularly attending TPUSA events. In the last presidential campaign, Kirk played a key role in the Trump family's digital strategy, helping to mount what was called "the greatest political comeback in history."
Following the event, tributes were held in the US and abroad, from South Africa to London to Australia. Hundreds of supporters were seen leaving flowers and weeping in memory of the activist, reinforcing his image as a beloved figure in the conservative movement. Charlie Kirk's legacy as an inspiration to many young Republicans is expected to expand even further after his death.
