Charlie Kirk’s final words before being assassinated
Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot during a speaking event at Utah Valley University. The shooting occurred in front of a live audience during a Q&A session, after Kirk responded to a provocative question about mass shootings and transgender individuals.
The audience member asked, “Do you know how many transgender Americans have been shooters over the last 10 years?” Kirk confidently replied, “Too many,” receiving loud applause. When the individual pushed further, asking for total numbers and whether to include gang violence, Kirk’s last words were, “Counting or not counting gang violence?” Moments later, a gunshot rang out, hitting him in the neck.
Chaos erupted as Kirk collapsed. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but died approximately 90 minutes later. Authorities believe the gunman acted alone, firing from the top of the Losee Center building—about 200 feet away from where Kirk was standing. A suspect was briefly detained but later released after questioning. The FBI is currently investigating the case as a “political assassination.”
Kirk is survived by his wife, Erika Frantzve, their 3-year-old daughter, and 16-month-old son. Known for his staunch support of Donald Trump, conservative values, and the Second Amendment, Kirk regularly toured college campuses across the country as part of his “American Comeback Tour,” often sparking heated debates and protests.
He had faced opposition before at UVU, where over 7,000 students had signed a petition demanding his events be canceled. Despite criticism, Kirk remained a leading voice among young conservatives, with a strong social media presence and a popular podcast, The Charlie Kirk Show.
Donald Trump, calling him a “very, very good friend,” posted a tribute on Truth Social, saying:
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie… Charlie, we love you!”
Political leaders from both parties condemned the attack. Utah Governor Spencer Cox called it “a dark day for our state,” while California Governor Gavin Newsom said, “The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile, and reprehensible. In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in every form.”
In Kirk’s honor, former President Trump announced that all American flags nationwide would fly at half-staff until Sunday evening.
Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot during a speaking event at Utah Valley University. The shooting occurred in front of a live audience during a Q&A session, after Kirk responded to a provocative question about mass shootings and transgender individuals.
The audience member asked, “Do you know how many transgender Americans have been shooters over the last 10 years?” Kirk confidently replied, “Too many,” receiving loud applause. When the individual pushed further, asking for total numbers and whether to include gang violence, Kirk’s last words were, “Counting or not counting gang violence?” Moments later, a gunshot rang out, hitting him in the neck.
Chaos erupted as Kirk collapsed. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but died approximately 90 minutes later. Authorities believe the gunman acted alone, firing from the top of the Losee Center building—about 200 feet away from where Kirk was standing. A suspect was briefly detained but later released after questioning. The FBI is currently investigating the case as a “political assassination.”
Kirk is survived by his wife, Erika Frantzve, their 3-year-old daughter, and 16-month-old son. Known for his staunch support of Donald Trump, conservative values, and the Second Amendment, Kirk regularly toured college campuses across the country as part of his “American Comeback Tour,” often sparking heated debates and protests.
He had faced opposition before at UVU, where over 7,000 students had signed a petition demanding his events be canceled. Despite criticism, Kirk remained a leading voice among young conservatives, with a strong social media presence and a popular podcast, The Charlie Kirk Show.
Donald Trump, calling him a “very, very good friend,” posted a tribute on Truth Social, saying:
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie… Charlie, we love you!”
Political leaders from both parties condemned the attack. Utah Governor Spencer Cox called it “a dark day for our state,” while California Governor Gavin Newsom said, “The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile, and reprehensible. In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in every form.”
In Kirk’s honor, former President Trump announced that all American flags nationwide would fly at half-staff until Sunday evening.
