With the unfortunate death of Charlie Kirk, America must take a moment to reflect on the culture of the country. Is this a place where freedom of speech is valued over everything else? Is this a place where violence is often an option against people with different opinions? Is this a place where party lines can be put aside, and politics are strictly used to work for the people?

Any gun related death is a tragedy — the Minnesota Democratic leader senator shot during a targeted attack or the school shooting in Denver, Colorado — and all of these untimely deaths demand attention.

On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University, political figure Charlie Kirk was shot and killed. 

The death of a man whose name carried the most extreme connotations — people praised him for right-winged ideologies while others criticized his influence. 

According to The New York Times, shortly after 12:00 pm local time, a single gunshot from a rooftop more than 100 yards away killed Kirk. 

Kirk was 20 minutes into a “Prove Me Wrong” debate — an opportunity for students to challenge and debate political/cultural views — at Utah Valley University. The event was the first of 15 events from what Kirk’s non-profit organization called “The American Comeback Tour“. This tour was supposed to touch universities across 10 different states between September 10th and October 15th, 2025. 

The event at Utah Valley University had over 3,000 people in attendance, including 6 university police officers and Charlie Kirk’s personal security team. 

At 2:40 pm, President Trump announced Kirk’s death via Truth Social: “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!” 

As of Wednesday night, the FBI is still searching for the gunman. Videos from the event place the gunman in dark clothing, fleeing from the rooftop of the Loose Center of Student Success — a place for, among other things, student services, resources, academic advising, and tutoring. The FBI has set up a tip line and has committed to a “manhunt for the shooter”. (CBS News) 

According to the Associated Press, some students from Utah Valley University did not want Kirk on campus. A petition of almost 1,000 signatures floated around mere days before Kirk was set to host the debate. Despite pushback, Utah Valley University allowed the event, citing basic rights from the First Amendment, such as the freedom of speech. 

Originally from the Chicago suburbs, 31-year-old Charlie Kirk was a right-winged activist, dedicated to involving youth in the conversation about politics.

At the age of 18, Kirk co-founded a youth activist group, Turning Point USA. The group regularly hosted rallies, visited college campuses and drew large crowds. 

Charlie Kirk had a following of over 14.6 million across different social media platforms. He hosted “The Charlie Kirk Show”, a conservative talk show, and has gone viral on multiple social media platforms with clips of him debating with college students. 

According to the Associated Press, Charlie Kirk has worked closely with the Trump family. During the 2016 election season, he was Donald Trump Jr’s personal aide. 

Charlie Kirk was a key ally to President Trump — he spoke at campaign rallies, and aided in connecting the youth with Trump’s platform. He spoke at President Trump’s second inauguration. 

In turn, President Trump made a speaking appearance at Turning Point USA’s 4-day conservative conference, AmericaFest, in December 2024. 

Charlie Kirk is survived by his wife, Erika Kirk, and two children — a 1-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter. 

The family publicly promoted their belief in Christianity. On Wednesday, Erika Kirk shared a bible verse, “”Psalm 46:1 – God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

In light of these events, politicians have been reaching across the aisle — taking a moment to speak up against the rise in political violence. 

Former President Bill Clinton said on X, “I’m saddened and angered by Charlie Kirk’s murder. And I hope we all go through some serious introspection and redouble our efforts to engage in debate passionately, yet peacefully.” 

Former President George W. Bush said, “Violence and vitriol must be purged from the public square. Members of other political parties are not our enemies; they are our fellow citizens.”

Charlie Kirk was simply speaking and sharing his opinions — no one should die for their political beliefs. 

This attack comes at a time of division in America, where laws surrounding firearms are constantly debated. The American youth is starting to advocate for legislative action against mass shootings – in schools, churches, or big events.  

Charlie Kirk — 31-year-old, activist, husband, and father —  will be missed by many.