Charlie Kirk, a conservative political activist and ally of Donald Trump, has been fatally shot at an event at a Utah college campus, as authorities scramble to find his killer.
Kirk, 31, was fatally shot in the neck in front of a crowd at a Utah Valley University event in Orem on Wednesday afternoon. Graphic footage captured the Turning Point USA founder reacting after gunfire was heard, as blood poured from his neck.
The Utah Department of Public Safety, which is leading the investigation with support from the FBI, said the shooter is believed to have fired once from a nearby roof in a “targeted attack.”
Hopes for the fast capture of the suspected shooter began to fade Wednesday evening as FBI Director Kash Patel announced that authorities had released a person he had said was a key “subject” of a multiagency manhunt. More than 12 hours after Kirk’s shooting, which Utah Governor Spencer Cox described as a “political assassination,” no suspects were in custody.
President Trump announced Kirk’s death on Truth Social, prompting an outpouring of tributes from figures of both sides of the political aisle. The president later called the moment “a dark moment for America.”
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Key points
- Charlie Kirk dies at age 31 after being shot while speaking at a Utah college: Manhunt underway for suspect
- Trump announces the death of Charlie Kirk on Truth Social
- Eyewitness describes moment Charlie Kirk shot in neck at Utah speaking event
- Killer still on the loose after Kash Patel says person of interest has been released
- Utah Gov. calls shooting a 'political assassination'
Recap: MAGA influencer Charlie Kirk fatally shot at college event in Utah
01:19
,
Rhian Lubin
MAGA broadcaster Charlie Kirk has died at the age of 31, after being shot in the neck at a college event in Utah. Here’s what you need to know:
- Kirk was hosting an event at Utah Valley University, the first scheduled stop on his American Comeback Tour, hosted by MAGA group Turning Point USA.
- Video from bystanders posted on social media showed Kirk sitting at a booth, surrounded by hundreds of people, when a loud crack was heard. Kirk was seen convulsing and fell backwards as blood poured from his neck. People began screaming and running.
- Kirk’s death was announced first by President Donald Trump on Truth Social. “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead... He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us,” the president wrote.
- After an hours-long manhunt, a person of interest was detained. That person was later released.
- Utah Gov. Spencer Cox told a press briefing that Kirk’s death was a “political assassination.”
- Utah officials said the shot that killed Kirk came “potentially from a roof” from some distance away.
- Kirk was a political activist and media personality who founded Turning Point USA – an influential right-wing advocacy group. He travelled with private security to events, an aide told CNN.
- Tributes to Kirk poured in online following news of the shooting, with politicians on both sides of the political aisle condemning the violence and sending prayers to his family.
Kirk’s death a sobering reminder for politicians who endured brushes with death
09:12
,
James Liddell
Charlie Kirk’s shooting death has prompted reactions from political figures who themselves narrowly survived public attacks
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, whose husband was critically injured at their California home in 2022 by a man wielding a hammer, denounced the “horrific shooting today at Utah Valley University is reprehensible.”
“Political violence has absolutely no place in our nation,” the Democrat said.
Donald Trump, who was shot in the ear during an attempt on his life during a Pennsylvania rally last summer, said in a video posted to social media that he is “filled with grief and anger at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk.”
Former Democratic Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who suffered a serious brain injury from a 2011 shooting while meeting with constituents in Arizona, said that “we must never allow America to become a country that confronts those disagreements with violence.”
Steve Scalise, the Louisiana Republican who was shot at practice for a charity baseball game in Virginia in 2017, asked for X users to “join me in praying for Charlie Kirk after this senseless act.”
FBI urges people to come forward with information on Kirk shooting
08:59
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
The FBI is imploring that anyone with information, photos or videos concerning Charlie Kirk’s shooting to come forward.
The bureau made the plea late on Wednesday night, as it collaborates with local and state law enforcement in Utah to investigate the fatal shooting.
Authorities continue to search for the shooting suspect, after two arrested “subjects” were later released.
Jimmy Kimmel condemns Kirk shooting and consoles all victims of ‘senseless gun violence’
08:30
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Maroosha Muzaffar
Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel took to his social media to condemn the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk.
He wrote on Instagram that “instead of angry finger-pointing, can we just for one day agree that is horrible and monstrous to shoot another human?”
He added: “On behalf of my family, we send love to the Kirks and to all the children, parents and innocents who fell victim to senseless gun violence.”
Netanyahu pays tribute to ‘lion-hearted friend of Israel’
08:15
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
World leaders expressed sorrow following the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Kirk a "lion-hearted friend of Israel" who was murdered "for speaking truth and defending freedom.”
“We lost an incredible human being," Netanyahu added. “His boundless pride in America and his valiant belief in free speech will leave a lasting impact. Rest in peace, Charlie Kirk.”
Italy’s prime minister Giorgia Meloni described the killing as “an atrocious murder, a deep wound for democracy and for those who believe in freedom”.
Charlie Kirk was murdered for speaking truth and defending freedom. A lion-hearted friend of Israel, he fought the lies and stood tall for Judeo-Christian civilization. I spoke to him only two weeks ago and invited him to Israel. Sadly, that visit will not take place.
— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) September 10, 2025
We lost an…
Argentina’s president Javier Milei said Kirk was a “formidable disseminator of the ideas of freedom and staunch defender of the West”, before calling him the “victim of an atrocious murder” and blaming the “left”, though law enforcement officials have not confirmed who shot Kirk.
“The entire world lost an incredible human being,” he added.
JD Vance shares heartfelt tribute for Kirk
08:00
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Maroosha Muzaffar
VD Vance shared a heartfelt tribute for his longtime friend, Charlie Kirk, on X.
He wrote: “Charlie was fascinated by ideas and always willing to learn and change his mind. Like me, he was skeptical of Donald Trump in 2016. Like me, he came to see President Trump as the only figure capable of moving American politics away from the globalism that had dominated for our entire lives. When others were right, he learned from them. When he was right--as he usually was--he was generous. With Charlie, the attitude was never, ‘I told you so.’ But: ‘welcome’.”
A while ago, probably in 2017, I appeared on Tucker Carlson's Fox show to talk about God knows what. Afterwards a name I barely knew sent me a DM on twitter and told me I did a great job. It was Charlie Kirk, and that moment of kindness began a friendship that lasted until today.…
— JD Vance (@JDVance) September 11, 2025
He added: “When I became the VP nominee--something Charlie advocated for both in public and private--Charlie was there for me.”
Manhunt continues for Charlie Kirk’s killer after earlier person of interest released
07:45
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
The manhunt for right-wing activist Charlie Kirk’s killer continues after he was fatally shot while he was speaking at a political event on a Utah college campus.
FBI Director Kash Patel said on X an earlier “subject” who was being questioned has since been released.
“The subject in custody has been released after an interrogation by law enforcement. Our investigation continues and we will continue to release information in interest of transparency,” Patel said.
Chaos unfolded at Utah Valley University in the north-central city of Orem Wednesday afternoon after Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of the MAGA youth organization Turning Point USA, was fatally shot in the neck.
Read more here:
Charlie Kirk’s wife Erika posted psalm about ‘help in trouble’ hours before his fatal shooting
07:30
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Maroosha Muzaffar
Influential right-wing activist Charlie Kirk’s wife Erika shared a Bible verse about seeking help during difficult times just hours before he was shot dead.
“Psalm 46:1 - God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble,” the former Miss Arizona USA, 36, shared Wednesday afternoon on X. Erika, who runs her own ministry as well as a faith-driven clothing brand, only resumed posting psalms to her X account two days before the fatal shooting.
Her post has now become a place where those in mourning have responded with tributes and condolences after her husband Charlie Kirk was fatally shot.
The Turning Point USA founder, 31, was about 20 minutes into his presentation at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, when a single shot rang out, striking him in the neck. Video from the scene shows Kirk bleeding profusely from his neck before falling backward.
Read more here:
‘All it takes is one lunatic’: Eyewitness describes moment Charlie Kirk shot in neck at Utah speaking event
07:15
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Maroosha Muzaffar
A witness described the shocking moment Charlie Kirk was fatally gunned down on Wednesday as "pretty scary stuff."
Bystander video from the outdoor event at the Utah Valley University campus in Orem shows Kirk sitting in a tent-like booth, holding a microphone and addressing the crowd, when a shot suddenly rings out. The bullet hits Kirk in the neck and blood could be seen gushing from his wound. He was subsequently pronounced dead at the age of 31.
"It's a bummer because whoever did this was able to enter the premises with a firearm," eyewitness Justin Hicken told The Independent in a phone interview a short time later.
"It's just a sad thing. I'm very conservative myself, I'm pro-2nd Amendment,” Hicken said. “But at the end of the day, you've got to make sure you're taking good, secure measures when you're hosting events like this. Because all it takes is one lunatic."
Read more here:
Lawmakers fall silent in House tribute before shouting breaks out
07:00
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
Lawmakers fell silent as a prayer was held in a House tribute to right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.
Speaker Mike Johnson paused the House in the middle of a series of votes to call a prayer and moment of silence for Charlie Kirk, who died after he was shot in the neck at a Utah university event on Wednesday (10 September).
But, when Representative Lauren Boebert asked for the prayer to be read aloud, several Democrats appeared to object, saying other shootings had not been given the same treatment.
Watch:
Ron DeSantis demands ‘death penalty prosecution’ for Kirk shooter
06:45
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Maroosha Muzaffar
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis told Fox News that he was “very angry with what happened today”.
“Obviously they gotta catch this guy. We need a very quick death penalty prosecution. I don’t wanna see this take forever and a day. We need justice for this,” he said.
On Wednesday, Kirk was being questioned about mass shootings when he was shot in the neck during an event.
Donald Trump blamed the “radical left” for the fatal shooting.
Utah Valley University resisted calls to cancel Kirk talk
06:30
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Maroosha Muzaffar
Utah Valley University, where Charlie Kirk was fatally shot during his appearance, resisted calls to cancel his talk despite a petition signed by nearly 1,000 people.
Last week, the university emphasized its commitment to free speech and released a statement on “Free Expression and Neutrality”.
“At Utah Valley University, we affirm our commitment to free speech, intellectual inquiry, and constructive dialogue. The university respects the rights of student clubs and organisations to invite various speakers to campus.
As a public institution, UVU upholds First Amendment rights and fosters an environment where ideas — popular or controversial — can be exchanged freely, energetically, and civilly,” the administrators said.
After the fatal shooting, the university president Astrid Tuminez wrote that Kirk “was invited by the student group Turning Point USA to speak on our campus”.
Kirk was the founder of the student group that invited him.
Trump orders US flag to be flown at half mast to honour Kirk
06:15
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Maroosha Muzaffar
Donald Trump has ordered national flags be flown at half mast to honor Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist who was fatally shot on Wednesday.
“In honor of Charlie Kirk, a truly Great American Patriot, I am ordering all American Flags throughout the United States lowered to Half Mast until Sunday evening at 6 P.M.,” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.
Tributes pour in for Kirk from across political spectrum
06:00
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum for Charlie Kirk following his fatal shooting on Wednesday.
Barack Obama said: “This kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy.
“Michelle and I will be praying for Charlie’s family tonight, especially his wife Erika and their two young children.”
Republican representative Marjorie Taylor Greene said it was a “dark day for America”.
“Charlie championed open dialogue for the good of our nation, and he was killed for it,” she said.
Former US president Joe Biden said: “There is no place in our country for this kind of violence.“It must end now. Jill and I are praying for Charlie Kirk’s family and loved ones.”
Robert F. Kennedy pays tribute to Kirk: ‘Courageous crusader for free speech’
05:45
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Maroosha Muzaffar
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose father and uncle were both assassinated, mourned Charlie Kirk’s death, calling him “our country’s relentless and courageous crusader for free speech”.
He wrote: “Once again, a bullet has silenced the most eloquent truth teller of an era”.
He added: “We pray for Erika and the children. Charlie is already in paradise with the angels. We ask his prayers for our country.”
His cousin, Jack Schlossberg, also commented: “Charlie Kirk was assassinated today. We are all weaker because of it. A tragedy. I am thinking of his family.”
Mathew Dowd fired over insensitive comments, network source confirms
05:25
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
An MSNBC source has confirmed to The Independent’s Justin Baragona that Matthew Dowd has been dismissed from his role as a contributor for the network following insensitive remarks he made regarding the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
On Wednesday, MSNBC issued an apology after liberal analyst Matthew Dowd implied that Kirk’s “hateful” rhetoric contributed to his shooting and speculated that a supporter of Kirk may have fired the shot in celebration.
“During our breaking news coverage of the shooting of Charlie Kirk, Matthew Dowd made comments that were inappropriate, insensitive and unacceptable,” MSNBC president Rebecca Kutler said in a statement.
“We apologize for his statements, as has he. There is no place for violence in America, political or otherwise.”
While the network has not issued a public statement regarding Dowd’s termination, the source confirmed to this outlet that the decision was made in response to the nature of his comments during the live.
Trump mourns ‘heinous assassination’ of Charlie Kirk
05:16
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
Speaker Mike Johnson: 'Many lawmakers nervous and want more security'
05:01
,
Rhian Lubin
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson said that many lawmakers are “nervous” in light of recent political violence and that they want more security.
“I think many of them are nervous, of course” Johnson told CNN’s Kaitlan Collins. “They’re public figures. They’re exposed all the time, everywhere. We have great security measures for members of Congress, but there’s a desire on many people’s parts to have more.”
The killing of Charlie Kirk follows the murders of former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband in Minnesota in June.
The accused, Vance Boelter, then allegedly went to the home of Sen. John Hoffman, a Democrat, and his wife, Yvette, in the Minneapolis suburb of Champlin. He allegedly shot the senator nine times, and Yvette Hoffman eight times, but they survived.
'All it takes is one lunatic:' Eyewitness raises concerns about security
04:45
,
Rhian Lubin
An eyewitness has raised concerns about security at the Utah college campus event where Charlie Kirk was gunned down.
"It's a bummer because whoever did this was able to enter the premises with a firearm," eyewitness Justin Hicken told The Independent in a phone interview,
"It's just a sad thing. I'm very conservative myself, I'm pro-2nd Amendment,” Hicken said. “But at the end of the day, you've got to make sure you're taking good, secure measures when you're hosting events like this. Because all it takes is one lunatic."
Hicken, 41, showed up to the event a few minutes before it started, and estimated the size of the crowd at 3,000 to 4,000 people "packed into a little outdoor amphitheater.”
"Unfortunately, there were no metal detectors or anything," Hicken said.
Justin Rohrlich reports.
MSNBC 'fires political analyst' over Charlie Kirk comments - report
04:30
,
Rhian Lubin
An MSNBC political analyst has been fired from the network for remarks he made on air about Charlie Kirk, according to a report.
Matthew Dowd was speaking live on the network Wednesday following the shooting, where he appeared to blame Kirk for the killing.
Dowd made “inappropriate, insensitive and unacceptable” comments about Kirk in light of the violence, MSNBC president Rebecca Kutler said in a statement, which stopped short of confirming his departure.
Variety has since reported that Dowd has been fired, however.
Fox News host Jesse Watters was among those calling for Dowd to be fired over his comments.
“I expect him to be terminated within 24 hours,” Watters said. “I hope he loses his job.”
How a Reagan-loving Chicago schoolboy became a millionaire MAGA leader
04:15
,
Rhian Lubin
Charlie Kirk’s journey to political prominence began at a young age, writes Kevin E G Perry.
He was born on October 14, 1993, in Arlington Heights, Illinois into a wealthy family who lived in a five-bedroom mansion in Prospect Heights, on the outskirts of Chicago.
His father was an architect who designed and built middle-class luxury estates, while his mother was a trader at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange who later worked as a mental health counsellor.
Classmates described the young Kirk as “rude”, “arrogant”, with “a superiority complex.”
Read more below.
Utah officials: The 2 individuals previously questioned have 'no current ties to shooting'
04:00
,
Rhian Lubin
The two individuals who were previously questioned by police in relation to the killing of Charlie Kirk have “no current ties to the shooting,” the Utah Department of Public Safety said in a statement.
The two men have since been released as the shooter remains at large.
“There are no current ties to the shooting with either of these individuals. There is an ongoing investigation and manhunt for the shooter,” said the department.
“The shooter is believed to have fired from the roof of a building down to the location of the public event in the student courtyard,” the statement added.
The FBI is appealing for information from the public as the suspect remains on the run.
Pictured: MAGA supporters attend vigil for Charlie Kirk in Salt Lake City
03:45
,
Rhian Lubin
MAGA supporters and mourners were pictured at a vigil for Charlie Kirk at the Utah State Capitol in Salt Lake City.
Many wore the red ‘MAGA’ branded caps and held banners with Kirk’s image on at the vigil.
In Phoenix, Arizona, a banner in Kirk’s memory was installed outside the Turning Point USA’s headquarters.
Charlie Kirk’s killing sends shockwaves, blame and vitriol through Capitol Hill
03:30
,
Eric Garcia
Charlie Kirk was not yet pronounced dead when conservative Republicans began assigning blame to Democrats on Capitol Hill — and then the shouting began, Eric Garcia writes.
As the House of Representatives convened for a vote, it planned to first hold a moment of silence and prayer for the conservative youth activist who led Turning Point USA and had become the face of the right-wing youth movement that supported President Donald Trump.
But as Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) sought to read a prayer, Democrats pushed back.
“The Southern Baptist in me, that's not what we do,” Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) told The Independent. “We pray to God, then we pray out loud.”
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida yelled at Democrats across the aisle, “Y’all caused this,” which could be heard on C-SPAN cameras.
“Pass some gun laws,” one Democrat shouted back.
Read more:
Eric Trump: 'Charlie Kirk was a dear friend to our entire family'
03:15
,
Rhian Lubin
Eric Trump said that Charlie Kirk was “a dear friend” to the “entire family” in a social media tribute.
Charlie Kirk was an incredible patriot — brave, tough as hell, and a dear friend to our entire family. In his honor, all @Trump properties will fly their flags at half-staff. We will always celebrate his life, strive to make him proud, and pray that God watches over Erika and… pic.twitter.com/XnjOXwfbF0
— Eric Trump (@EricTrump) September 10, 2025
First Lady Melania Trump: 'Charlie's children will be raised with stories instead of memories'
03:00
,
Rhian Lubin
First Lady Melania Trump said that Charlie Kirk’s children will “be raised with stories instead of memories” following his assassination.
Melania has shared the short tribute on the official FLOTUS X account.
Charlie’s children will be raised with stories instead of memories, photographs instead of laughter, and silence where their father’s voice should have echoed.
— First Lady Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) September 11, 2025
Charlie Kirk’s life should serve as a symbolic reminder that compassionate awareness elevates family, love, and…
FBI appealing to the public to submit tips as killer still at large
02:44
,
Rhian Lubin
The FBI is appealing to the public to submit tips online as Charlie Kirk’s killer remains at large.
FBI director Kash Patel earlier posted that the individual who “took the life of Charlie Kirk” was in custody, but a couple of hours later said they had been released.
Now authorities are searching for a new person of interest and the manhunt continues.
Submit tips regarding today's shooting at Utah Valley University at https://t.co/K7maX81lub pic.twitter.com/Sg47LdbHjN
— FBI Salt Lake City (@FBISaltLakeCity) September 11, 2025
Authorities seeking new person of interest in Charlie Kirk's assassination
02:30
,
AP
Authorities are seeking a new person of interest in Kirk’s assassination, according to a law enforcement official.
The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the ongoing investigation.
The Utah Department of Public Safety has also confirmed no one is currently in custody in the investigation into Kirk’s killing.
Trump statement continues: 'This is a dark moment for America'
02:18
,
Rhian Lubin
President Donald Trump said that Charlie Kirk’s death marked “a dark moment for America.”
The president released a video statement Wednesday evening from the Oval Office.
“Our prayers are with his wife, Erica, the two young, beloved children and his entire family who he loved more than anything in the world. We ask God to watch over them in this terrible hour of heartache and pain. This is a dark moment for America.”
Trump releases new video statement: 'Rhetoric from the left is responsible' for Kirk's death
02:10
,
Rhian Lubin
President Donald Trump joined Republicans in blaming “rhetoric from the radical left” for the death of Charlie Kirk.
Trump released a new 4-minute video statement on Truth Social filmed in the Oval Office Wednesday evening.
“For years, those on the radical left have compared wonderful Americans like Charlie to Nazis and the world's worst mass murderers and criminals,” Trump said.
“This kind of rhetoric is directly responsible for the terrorism that we're seeing in our country today, and it must stop right now.”
Many Republicans lay Kirk's death at feet of the Democrats
01:46
,
Eric Garcia
The Independent’s Eric Garcia reports on the mood tonight from the Capitol:
Many Republicans on Capitol Hill are not just saddened by the shooting of Charlie Kirk: They are outright furious.
They lay Kirk's death at the feet of the Democrats. An attempt at a somber moment of silence completely devolved into chaos as Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), a pro-Trump ally and friend of Kirk's, yelled “y'all caused this.”
GOP Rep. Tim Burchett said that MSNBC should lose its license for its coverage of Kirk.
The vibe bears striking similarity to the anger conservatives felt after the attempted assassination of Donald Trump.
Former President George W. Bush: Kirk was murdered 'in cold blood'
01:34
,
Rhian Lubin
Former President George W. Bush has shared a statement about Kirk’s killing on social media, calling for “violence and vitriol” to be “purged from the public square.”
Statement by President George W. Bush:
— George W. Bush Presidential Center (@TheBushCenter) September 10, 2025
"Today, a young man was murdered in cold blood while expressing his political views. It happened on a college campus, where the open exchange of opposing ideas should be sacrosanct. Violence and vitriol must be purged from the public…
Actor Mel Gibson comments on Kirk's death
01:25
,
Alex Lang
The brutal murder of Charlie Kirk is nothing short of evil a cowardly attack on America’s very soul. Faith, family, freedom, the right to speak truth trampled by violence. My blood boils. Justice must be relentless and unforgiving pic.twitter.com/RsD1EXCm6i
— Mel Gibson (@MelGibsonQ__) September 10, 2025
A look at the life of Charlie Kirk
01:17
,
Alex Lang
Here is a look at the life of Charlie Kirk and his rise to become one of the top political influencers:
Kash Patel says person held by investigators has been released
01:09
,
Alex Lang
The subject in custody has been released after an interrogation by law enforcement. Our investigation continues and we will continue to release information in interest of transparency https://t.co/YXsG6YpFR5
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) September 10, 2025
New York Yankees hold moment of silence
Thursday 11 September 2025 00:59
,
Alex Lang
MLB’s New York Yankees held a moment of Silence for Charlie Kirk before the first pitch in their game against the Detroit Tigers.
Before tonight's game we held a moment of silence in memoriam of Charlie Kirk.
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) September 10, 2025
Kirk founded the youth activist group “Turning Point USA” and had become a fixture on college campuses. Charlie Kirk, a husband and father of two children, was 31 years old. pic.twitter.com/Fz5xPlmdu0