WASHINGTON — Erika Kirk was unanimously elected the new chairwoman and chief executive officer of Turning Point USA, the conservative grassroots organization her late husband Charlie Kirk co-founded in 2012, the group announced Thursday. Erika Kirk, who runs her own nonprofit, Everyday Heroes Like You, emotionally vowed to carry on her husband’s legacy following his assassination last week. "Charlie prepared all of us for a moment like this one. He worked tirelessly to ensure Turning Point USA was built to survive even the greatest tests," Turning Point USA’s board said. "We will not surrender or kneel before evil. We will carry on." Charlie Kirk, 31, was assassinated on Sept. 10, 2025, while addressing students at Utah Valley University on his American Comeback Tour.
Authorities identified Tyler Robinson, 22, as the alleged assassin who fatally shot Kirk at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10. Robinson was charged with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury and obstruction of justice. Law enforcement confirmed that Robinson was living with a transgender roommate, and communications between the two helped federal investigators catch the suspect. Kirk, the Turning Point USA creator, was shot in the neck by a single gunshot while addressing students during his event on the American Comeback Tour. President Donald Trump, among others, has called for the death penalty for the suspect.
Kirk’s body was transported to Arizona from Utah on Air Force Two, accompanied by Vice President JD Vance, and taken to Phoenix’s Hansen Mortuary Chapel. His funeral is scheduled for Sept. 21 at State Farm Stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals, with President Trump expected to attend. Kirk is survived by his wife and two young children. "The attempt to destroy Charlie’s work will become our chance to make it more powerful and enduring than ever before," the Turning Point USA board said. Erika Kirk has vowed to carry on her husband’s legacy.
Separately, Turning Point USA said the leadership transition would be seamless and that the organization would continue its mission.