News Brief by FāVS Staff
Charlie Kirk, 31, was fatally shot in Utah Wednesday while speaking at an event hosted by his nonprofit political organization, Turning Point USA (TPUSA).
The shot rang out while he spoke at Utah Valley University, the first of a 15-stop itinerary of the “American Comeback Tour.” He was shot in the neck and quickly rushed to the hospital where he remained in critical condition according to news reports.
Kirk was well-known for co-founding TPUSA at 18 and for talking widely on conservative issues that caused huge controversies, such as believing a woman’s role is in the home, that Critical Race Theory is a “cancer” for western society, that college is a scam and more.
President Donald Trump, to whom Kirk was a close ally to, commented on his death within hours of the first reports on social media, saying “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!”
Regional reactions have also been swift on Facebook.
From “Examining Doug Wilson & Moscow, Idaho” administrators: “I want to say this very strongly and very clearly: No matter what one’s politics are, violence is NEVER the answer. We are mindful here on this page that those who are the object of our whistleblowing efforts are agitating very, very hard for war. I would like to exhort the readers in our small social media corner to prayer and/or non-inciting discourse.”
From Zachary Minton, former lead pastor of The Rock Church Spokane and current Evangelism Director of Northwest Baptist Convention: “Charlie Kirk was assassinated for sharing his views, which were rooted in conservative Christianity. Did he share his opinion? Yes. Did he deserve this? No. Completely evil!”
From Kent Mankins, lead pastor of Valley Assembly of God, the church that hosted Kirk as part of his TP Faith tour in 2022: “I’m joining with you in praying for Charlie Kirk’s family. “God, cover Charlie Kirk’s family with your comfort and strength.”
Kirk’s most recent visit to the Inland Northwest was at Washington State University on April 17. He came as part of another “American Comeback Tour” campaign. The event drew 1,200 students.
During the event, Kirk fielded questions from students on various topics, making controversial statements including spreading misinformation about George Floyd’s death, advising against gender-affirming care, and suggesting a 5-year-old rape victim should not have abortion access. A notable exchange occurred with a female student from New Saint Andrews College who argued that women shouldn’t hold leadership positions based on biblical interpretation, though Kirk stopped short of fully endorsing that view.
While some students engaged directly with Kirk, others organized a “nonengagement protest” across the street, arguing that Kirk doesn’t debate liberal students in good faith and instead generates viral content for his platform.
His shooting is under investigation.
