The influence of Charlie Kirk on American youth before he was assassinated.
Activist Charlie Kirk attracted significant attention from young American voters through his organization Turning Point and his strong support for Donald Trump.
American conservative activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated by an unidentified attacker during an event in Orem, Utah, on September 10. Before the incident, Charlie Kirk was regarded as one of the most prominent figures in the American conservative movement, particularly influential among young people.
At just 18, Charlie Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA, an organization focused on promoting conservative values among students and young voters. In 2019, he went on to establish Turning Point Action (TPA), a nonprofit advocacy group supporting conservative candidates in politics. Major events organized by TPA often featured high-profile figures, including President Donald Trump.
Kirk became one of the faces most closely associated with the “Make America Great Again” movement and consistently voiced his support for Trump, even in controversial statements regarding the 2020 election. This loyalty earned him Trump’s trust, with the former president acknowledging Kirk’s critical role in engaging more young and minority voters, which contributed to Trump’s 2024 election victory.
Beyond politics, Charlie Kirk was also a strong presence in media. His podcast drew over 500,000 monthly listeners, while his X (formerly Twitter) account amassed 5.3 million followers. With his wide-reaching connections and ability to deliver conservative messages effectively, Kirk became an inspirational figure for many young Americans.
Charlie Kirk, 31, was married with two children. His early political success and strong influence among youth made his assassination a shocking event in the U.S., raising serious concerns about the safety of highly influential political figures.