Supporters of conservative activist Charlie Kirk raised more than $3 million in under 48 hours for his widow and two young children after he was fatally shot while speaking at a Turning Point USA event in Utah.
The fundraiser, hosted on Christian crowdfunding platform GiveSendGo, was launched by ALP Pouches, a nicotine pouch company that pledged the initial $1 million. The campaign page, which lists a $5 million goal, urges donors to give “whatever you are able” to help Erika Kirk and the couple’s children following the attack.
Charlie Kirk, 31, collapsed on stage Wednesday while answering an audience question at a Turning Point USA rally at Utah Valley University in Orem. Authorities say 22-year-old Taylor Robinson opened fire; Kirk was struck in the neck and later died at a hospital. Multiple students and attendees fled the scene as the shooting unfolded.
Robinson was arrested about 33 hours after the attack. Officials said he was identified to authorities by his father, Matt Robinson, after the elder Robinson recognized his son in FBI images. Matt Robinson initially confronted his son and then turned him in after the suspect spoke with a youth minister connected to the U.S. Marshals Service, authorities said. Robinson has been charged with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, and obstruction of justice; prosecutors said they will seek the death penalty.
Police said investigators recovered a rifle wrapped in a towel in nearby woods and unspent rounds engraved with taunting phrases. Officials have described a multi-agency manhunt during which several people were briefly detained and later released. Authorities said Robinson had told family members in the past that he believed Kirk was “full of hate and spreading hate,” comments that family members later told investigators raised concerns.
In public statements, Utah Governor Spencer Cox and local law enforcement provided details of the probe but said Robinson’s motive remained unclear. Voting records show Robinson had not voted in the last two elections and was not registered with a political party; his parents are registered Republicans. Authorities said Robinson had enrolled briefly at Utah State University on a presidential scholarship before leaving school and later entering an electrical apprenticeship program.
Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012 and grew into a prominent voice in conservative and pro-Trump circles, expanding the group into a nationwide network of campus organizations and related ventures, including Turning Point Faith and Turning Point Academy. He was a frequent speaker at Republican events and built a large online following with campus debates and media appearances.
Political figures and allies issued tributes after his death. President Donald Trump posted a message on Truth Social calling Kirk “great” and said flags should be lowered to half-staff; the White House dispatched Vice President J.D. Vance to Utah to support the family and accompanied Kirk’s remains back to Arizona. A memorial and vigils have drawn supporters and colleagues to Turning Point USA sites.
Erika Kirk and the couple’s two children, a three-year-old daughter and a 16-month-old son, were cited by organizers as the intended beneficiaries of the GiveSendGo campaign. ALP Pouches’ announcement described the family as grieving and said the donation effort aimed to provide “security and stability” as they adjust to Kirk’s death. The fundraiser’s organizers said the page had already surpassed $3 million within two days of launch.
Robinson is being held in custody as prosecutors proceed with the case. Officials have said the investigation remains active and that additional details will be released as they are confirmed. The shooting has prompted renewed discussion among lawmakers and political groups about security at public events as authorities and allies continue to respond to the killing.