Charlie Kirk, founder of the conservative group Turning Point USA, was mourned Thursday by youth leaders who credited him with building a national campus movement and mentoring a generation of young activists after he was shot and killed Wednesday while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
Kirk was on the first stop of an "American Comeback Tour" that organizers said would visit college campuses through the end of October when he was shot while speaking from a table labeled "Prove Me Wrong." He was rushed to a hospital and later pronounced dead, according to university officials and news reports. The circumstances of the shooting are under investigation.
On Thursday morning, three young conservative leaders appearing on the Fox News program Fox & Friends reflected on Kirk's political legacy and his role in mobilizing conservative students. GOP Youth Advisory Co-Chair CJ Pearson said Kirk had a distinct influence on his own political development, reaching out to younger activists and encouraging them to attend conferences and get involved.
"For me, I lost a friend, but my heart hurts even more for our country," Pearson said. "This is a guy who, when I was just 12 years old, I was a nobody on social media. I had a couple of viral videos under my belt, but he reached out and said, ‘Hey, let me guide you. Let me mentor you, come to our conferences,’ because he was so dedicated to uplifting the next generation of conservative leaders in this country. And I think that will be his legacy."
Campus Reform correspondent Emily Sturge said the incident has raised concerns about safety for conservatives on college campuses. "Being a conservative on a college campus is putting a target on your back," she told the program, describing Kirk as someone who built relationships and supported young people in forming families and faith communities.
Gen Z commentator Chandler Crump described young conservatives as "very distraught" and called Kirk the "Godfather of campus conservatism," saying he helped usher in a wave of students willing to speak publicly about their beliefs. Crump added that many in his circle view Kirk as instrumental in the growth of a conservative youth movement that played a role in the political landscape in recent years.
Kirk founded Turning Point USA in 2012 and built the organization into a prominent campus-focused conservative group known for organizing student chapters, conferences and public events. Supporters said he emphasized free speech, conservative principles and Christian faith on college campuses; critics had frequently denounced his organization and tactics.
Those who spoke on Thursday urged young conservatives to continue the work Kirk promoted. Pearson said the loss is a charge for activists to "continue his work, to fight harder," while stressing the importance of resilience in the face of violence.
A memorial scene that has drawn mourners and tributes was visible in the hours after the shooting, as members of the conservative movement and sympathizers publicly paid respects. Authorities are conducting an investigation into the shooting, and university officials have said they will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Kirk's death adds to a contentious national debate over safety on campus and the risks faced by politically active students. His supporters described him as a mentor who prioritized building a conservative base among young Americans, while critics pointed to the polarizing nature of campus political battles. Authorities have not released details about any suspect or motive. The investigation and questions about campus security are expected to continue as more facts are confirmed.