Charlie Kirk Fatally Shot During University Event

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, September 10, 2025 | 11:53pm CT

Charlie Kirk

Conservative activist and Salem Radio Network host Charlie Kirk died Wednesday, September 10 after being shot while hosting an event at Utah Valley University. He was 31.

President Donald Trump announced Kirk's death on Truth Social, writing, "The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!"

The Guardian reported that Kirk was speaking under a white tent at a Turning Point USA event on campus when a bullet struck him in the neck. Video from the scene showed Kirk collapsing as attendees scattered. Witnesses said security at the outdoor, ticketed event was minimal. He was transported to a hospital, where he later died.

Kirk was appearing on the first stop of his "American Comeback Tour" and had posted photos and video from the Utah event just before the shooting. The posts were later deleted.

Utah Senator Mike Lee wrote on X that he was "tracking the situation ... closely," asking followers to join him in praying for Kirk and the students in attendance. FBI Director Kash Patel also posted that the bureau was monitoring the case and would support the ongoing investigation. No suspect has been taken into custody.

Kirk rose to prominence in 2012 after founding Turning Point USA at age 18, building it into one of the largest conservative youth organizations in the country. He hosted The Charlie Kirk Show on the Salem Radio Network and in March was named the successor to Dennis Prager's affiliate stations after Prager suffered a spinal cord injury. Kirk was also a frequent ally of Trump, who appointed him to a commission on "patriotic education" in 2020.

NBC News reported in 2024 that Kirk's podcast was downloaded between 500,000 and 750,000 times daily. He was widely known for his campus debates with liberal-leaning students, which often went viral online.

"Charlie was more than a broadcaster-he was a fearless defender of truth and a faithful servant of God," said Salem CEO David Santrella. "This assassination was not just an attack on Charlie, it was an attack on free speech and on the values Charlie championed every day. His absence leaves a tremendous void, but his legacy of faith, courage, and conviction will continue to inspire generations."

"I have had the privilege of working with Charlie for nearly a decade," said Bradley Parscale, Chief Strategy Officer of Salem Media. "He was part of the Salem family. His voice was fearless, unyielding, and relentless in the defense of faith and freedom. This heinous act of evil was meant to silence him, but as Christians, we know darkness cannot overcome the light. Charlie's influence cannot and will not be silenced."

"Charlie brought passion, insight, and energy to our airwaves, and he connected with listeners in a truly special way," said John Catsimatidis, CEO, WABC Radio. "We extend our heartfelt condolences to Charlie's family, friends, and all who were touched by his work." Charlie will be remembered fondly for his contributions to WABC and to the New York radio community."

Kirk married Erika Frantzve, a podcaster and former Miss Arizona USA, in 2021. They have two young children.