Supporters of conservative activist Charlie Kirk donated millions through online fundraisers after he was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University, with one campaign on the Christian crowdfunding site GiveSendGo setting a record for raising the most money in the shortest period of time, the company said.
GiveSendGo confirmed that multiple campaigns for Kirk’s family have collected more than $2.8 million. Co-founder and co-CEO Heather Wilson told Fox News Digital that the speed of the response reflected how deeply Kirk’s life had impacted people and how urgent donors felt about supporting his wife and children. "When people feel powerless in the face of tragedy, giving becomes a tangible way to express love, solidarity and care," Wilson said, adding that the platform also offers a prayer button for those who cannot give financially.
Other crowdfunding sites, including GoFundMe, reported that users had started campaigns to support Kirk’s family and a proposed permanent memorial at Utah Valley University. A GoFundMe spokesperson told Fox News Digital that the company is reviewing each fundraiser related to the shooting to verify organizers and intended beneficiaries and that verified fundraisers had raised more than $12,000. The company said it maintains a verification process to ensure funds are delivered to intended recipients and that it has a "zero tolerance" policy for misuse; if organizers cannot be verified, campaigns may be removed and donors refunded.
Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent conservative media figure, was shot while speaking at an event on campus on Sept. 10 and later died at a local hospital, Utah officials said. President Donald Trump announced Kirk’s death on Truth Social, calling him "legendary" and offering sympathies to Kirk’s wife, Erika, and their family.
Utah authorities and the FBI said a 22-year-old Utah resident, identified as Tyler Robinson, was taken into custody in connection with the shooting. Officials said investigators located the suspect with assistance from a minister, a member of the U.S. Marshals Service and the suspect’s father. Trump, appearing on Fox & Friends, said he believed the suspect had been identified and said he hoped the death penalty would be sought if a conviction is obtained.
Students and members of conservative organizations, including chapters of Turning Point USA, were among those who organized or promoted some fundraisers. GoFundMe said its dedicated team is working with organizers to complete verification reviews and to help keep the platform secure.
Vigils and memorials have been held on and near the Utah Valley University campus as supporters gathered to mourn. Organizers of some campaigns said they intend proceeds to support Kirk’s widow and children as well as to establish a lasting memorial at the university.
GiveSendGo representatives said the rapid fundraising underscores how crowdfunding has become a common means for Americans to respond quickly to crisis and bereavement. GoFundMe reiterated that it prioritizes safe, verified fundraisers and that its policies are designed to prevent fraud and ensure donors’ contributions reach the intended beneficiaries.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Donations to verified campaigns and public tributes have been among the immediate responses from supporters in the days following Kirk’s death.