Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent voice in conservative campus politics, was killed Wednesday at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, prompting an outpouring of tributes from political allies, faith leaders and students.
In an opinion essay published following Kirk’s death, Pastor Corey Brooks, founder of Project H.O.O.D. in Chicago, described a personal friendship with Kirk and said the conservative activist’s support for community programs and young people extended well beyond public rhetoric. Brooks said Kirk’s death is a call to continue work in support of conservative principles and community outreach.
Brooks wrote that he first met Kirk in the early days of Project H.O.O.D., when both organizations were nascent, and described Kirk as a devout Christian who offered financial support, private encouragement and connections to donors. Brooks said Kirk, then about 18, displayed a clarity of purpose and an enthusiasm for building a movement that would later grow nationwide.
Kirk founded Turning Point USA, which developed into a major organization focused on promoting conservative ideas on college campuses. The group staged events, created student chapters and produced rhetoric that helped shape campus political debates over the past decade. His death has prompted vigils and memorials on campuses and in conservative circles across the country.
Among those responding to the killing, Brooks noted that Kirk had privately encouraged him during Project H.O.O.D. fundraisers and had planned to join Brooks’ Walk Across America fundraising efforts in Washington, D.C., before he was killed. Brooks said Kirk’s gifts to community causes were often quiet and personal and that he had chosen not to publicize many of the contributions until now.
Brooks described the faith that underpinned Kirk’s work, quoting a Bible verse posted by Kirk’s wife, Erika, on social media in the immediate aftermath of the killing: "Psalm 46:1 — God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Brooks said that, for Kirk and his family, faith framed both public engagement and private grief.
News organizations and conservative media personalities offered condolences and described Kirk as an organizer who inspired millions of young people to embrace conservative principles. Brooks and others emphasized Kirk’s role in building institutional support for student activists as well as his work mentoring younger conservatives.
Brooks also warned that the killing raises questions about threats faced by public figures who engage in contentious political debate. He said the loss is personal to those who worked with Kirk and a reminder of the risks that can accompany outspoken public roles, while urging supporters to continue their work without succumbing to fear.
Kirk is survived by his wife, Erika, and their two children. Brooks’ essay recounted private moments—texts of encouragement and personal meetings—that he said revealed Kirk’s commitment to both faith and activism. Brooks asked that Kirk’s charitable acts and private support for community projects be remembered alongside his public profile.
Authorities have not released details about an investigation into the killing in the material cited by Brooks. Media outlets and conservative organizations continue to report on vigils, memorials and planned events to honor Kirk’s work.
Brooks concluded his reflection by urging that Kirk’s influence be measured not only by his public persona but also by the private assistance he provided to community organizations. He asked supporters and critics alike to acknowledge both the political and charitable dimensions of Kirk’s life and to continue efforts he had championed to support youth engagement and community development.