Inside Charlie Kirk’s life and career, from Turning Point USA to books and podcasting
Charlie Kirk was an American conservative activist and radio talk show host. He founded Turning Point USA in 2012 and achieved remarkable success at a young age. He was shot dead on 10 September 2025. Here is a look inside Charlie Kirk's life and career.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaway
- Charlie Kirk was the founder and president of Turning Point USA.
- He was one of the most prominent voices of the populist MAGA movement.
- Charlie was shot dead on 10 September 2025 during an event at Utah Valley University.
- He was married to Erika Lane Kirk and welcomed two kids together.
Profile summary
| Full name | Charles James Kirk |
| Gender | Male |
| Date of birth | 14 October 1993 |
| Age | 31 years old (at the time of death) |
| Died | 10 September, 2025 |
| Zodiac sign | Scorpio |
| Place of birth | Arlington Heights, Illinois |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Height in inches | 5'7" |
| Height in centimetres | 170 |
| Weight in pounds | 152 |
| Weight in kilograms | 69 |
| Hair colour | Brown |
| Eye colour | Brown |
| Father | Robert W. Kirk |
| Relationship status | Married |
| Wife | Erika Lane Kirk |
| Children | 2 |
| School | Wheeling High School |
| College | Harper College (did not finish) |
| X(Twitter) | @charliekirk11 |
| @charliekirk1776 | |
| @Charlie Kirk |
Inside Charlie Kirk's life and career
Charlie Kirk was born and raised in Arlington Heights, Illinois. While young, he was involved in many childhood activities, where, at one time, he was a member of the Boy Scouts of America.
He studied at Wheeling High School, where he campaigned for Mark Kirk, who was vying for the U.S Senate. In 2012, he wrote an essay for Breitbart News, highlighting the bias in high school textbooks. Charlie dared to write about such a sensitive matter that it went viral and even appeared on Fox Business.
Charlie Kirk's parents
He was brought up in an affluent family. His father, Robert W. Kirk, was the project architect and manager for Trump Tower in New York. That opportunity enabled his family to rub shoulders with the presidential family.
Source: Original
Career
Charlie Kirk became politically active while still in high school. He volunteered for campaigns and began writing about conservative ideas. His early work focused on criticizing liberal influence in schools and universities.
In 2012, at age 18, Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA (TPUSA) with Bill Montgomery. The group was designed to promote free markets, limited government, and conservative values on campuses. He left college to grow the organization full-time.
Under his leadership, TPUSA expanded rapidly, setting up hundreds of student chapters across the U.S. The group became known for its activism, events, and "Professor Watchlist," which called out academics accused of leftist bias. This made Kirk a controversial but prominent figure in conservative politics.
Kirk launched The Charlie Kirk Show, a radio and podcast platform where he discussed politics, culture, and faith. He became one of Trump's most visible youth advocates. He spoke at Republican events, appeared frequently on television, and used social media to reach millions. His influence extended into voter outreach and political strategy during elections.
By the mid-2020s, Kirk was leading TPUSA as one of America's largest youth conservative movements. He remained active as a speaker, organizer, and commentator, shaping debates about education, free speech, and Christian values in politics.
Charlie Kirk's books
Through his writings, he shared his conservative vision, political experiences, and ideas on how young people can shape America's future. His books cover topics such as higher education, patriotism, and the influence of progressive culture.
Kirk wrote several books, including:
- Time for a Turning Point: Setting a Course Toward Free Markets and Limited Government for Future Generations (2016, co-written with Brent Hamachek)
- Campus Battlefield: How Conservatives Can WIN the Battle on Campus and Why It Matters (2018, foreword by Donald Trump Jr.)
- The MAGA Doctrine: The Only Ideas That Will Win the Future (2020)
- The College Scam: How America's Universities Are Bankrupting and Brainwashing Away the Future of America's Youth (2022)
- Right Wing Revolution: How to Beat the Woke and Save the West (2024)
Kirk's social policy
The late political activist was outspoken on social issues, often aligning with conservative and Christian nationalist perspectives. He opposed same-sex marriage and criticized LGBTQ rights movements, arguing that they conflict with traditional family values.
On matters of race, he challenged ideas like systemic racism and critical race theory, claiming they divide Americans rather than unite them. His views often emphasized patriotism and meritocracy over identity-based policies.
Kirk also strongly supported gun rights and defended the Second Amendment, insisting that firearms are vital for personal freedom and protection against government overreach. In immigration debates, he backed stricter border security and criticized illegal immigration, arguing it threatened national identity and economic stability.
His positions reflected a blend of conservative politics and evangelical Christianity, shaping his broader push for a culture grounded in faith, nationalism, and traditional values.
Source: Getty Images
What was Charlie Kirk's net worth?
According to News18 and Yahoo, Charlie Kirk's net worth in 2025 was estimated at $12 million. Charlie Kirk's annual salary as CEO rose from $27,000 in 2016 to more than $407,000 by 2021. He also earned between $50,000 and $100,000 for live speaking events and $10,000 to $20,000 for virtual appearances.
Kirk invested in real estate, too. He owned a $4.75 million mansion in Scottsdale (listed for $6.5 million in 2024), an $855,000 oceanfront condo in Florida, and an apartment in Phoenix.
How many times has Charlie Kirk been married?
Charlie Kirk was married once to Erika Frantzve. She is a former beauty queen, entrepreneur, and podcaster. Erika also runs her own clothing line and actively participates in philanthropic work.
The two first met in August 2018 during the opening of a Turning Point USA office. Charlie, the founder and executive director of the organization, had a brief conversation with Erika, who had come seeking job opportunities. Their paths crossed again after Charlie reached out to her on Instagram, and their friendship quickly turned into a relationship.
After dating for nearly two years, Charlie proposed to Erika in December 2020. They tied the knot on 8 May 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona, surrounded by family and close friends. The ceremony was filled with joy, and shortly afterwards, Erika shared a touching tribute to her husband on Instagram, celebrating their union.
May 8, 2021, ...to the man I've been praying for before I ever met you. to the man that I honour, respect, and deeply cherish. to the man who leads in ways that remind me of the leaders before our time and whose confidence in God's word reminds me of Daniel. to the man who's heart for God is passionately steadfast.
To the man whose integrity reminds me of the unwavering and your ability to seek God's will reminds me of the Disciples. to the man that loves so deeply, so intentionally, so selflessly, so unconditionally that it reminds me of Christ....to the man that I am immeasurably blessed to be able to call my husband. My CJK. I love you @charliekirk1776.
The late political activist was a father of two. He and his wife welcomed their first child, a daughter affectionately nicknamed "GG" on social media, on 24 August 2022. Their second child, a baby boy, was born in May 2024.
Charlie Kirk's death
Source: Getty Images
On 10 September 2025, Charlie was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. He was attending a Turning Point USA event called The American Comeback Tour. The attack happened at 12:23 p.m. MDT, about twenty minutes after the event began.
Around 3,000 people were in the audience. Just before the shooting, Kirk was answering a question about mass shootings. A student, Hunter Kozak, asked how many mass shooters there had been in America over the last decade.
Kirk's final words were: "Counting or not counting gang violence?" Seconds later, he was shot in the neck. He was taken to Timpanogos Regional Hospital in critical condition. Doctors pronounced him dead later that afternoon.
Charlie Kirk's age at the time of his death was 31. The FBI described the investigation as being in its early stages and asked the public to provide any information.
Events that followed his death
Utah's governor condemned the shooting, calling it a political assassination. Federal and local authorities, including the FBI, launched a search. A rifle was found in a nearby wooded area, but the suspect was still at large. The FBI offered a $100,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
Former President Donald Trump reacted by blaming members of the "radical left." He promised strict action against political rivals and urged his supporters to remain nonviolent.
Authorities later released a video showing the gunman jumping off a roof after the shooting. Separate footage, verified by CNN, showed a person matching the suspect's description walking near the crime scene before the attack.
Experts confirmed that Kirk was struck by a single supersonic shot fired from the rifle. Investigators also revealed that political slogans were scrawled on the weapon and ammunition, suggesting an ideological motive.
After his death, a statement appeared on Charlie Kirk's official Instagram account. The tribute thanked friends, supporters, and the public for their prayers. It ended with a message of gratitude and remembrance.
Even in his very last moments, Charlie was professing the Gospel. He ran his race well all the way to the end. Now, he goes to his heavenly reward. Although Charlie is gone, his legacy will endure. He shall not grow old; age shall not weary him.
For all time, he will remain the brave young man who inspired tens of millions of Americans to better themselves and take action to better America. All of us will miss Charlie. None of us will ever forget him.
Charlie Kirk's funeral service
According to USA Today, Charlie's funeral arrangements are still pending as of 12 September 2025. Authorities in Utah confirmed on the morning of Friday, 12 September, that the suspect in Kirk's fatal shooting was 22-year-old Tyler Robinson. He is in custody.
Kirk's funeral will be held in Arizona, where he lived with his wife and two children. On Thursday, 11 September, Air Force Two transported his body from Salt Lake City, Utah, to a mortuary in Phoenix.
Supporters gathered at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to welcome him home. Vice President J.D. Vance accompanied the casket on the flight. As the plane landed, the traffic controller said over the radio:
Welcome home, Charlie. You didn’t deserve it. May God bless your family.
A motorcade was waiting to escort his remains to Hansen Mortuary Chapel near Seventh Street and Northern Avenue in North Town, Phoenix.
Former President Donald Trump has said he plans to attend the funeral. Speaking on 11 September from the White House lawn, he told reporters:
They’ve asked me to go, and I think I have an obligation to be there.
Source: Getty Images
Was Charlie Kirk related to Charlotte Kirk?
No, Charlie Kirk and Charlotte Kirk were not related. Charlie was an American conservative activist, while Charlotte is a British actress and producer who gained attention in Hollywood. There is also no connection between Charlotte and Charlie Kirk's siblings.
How tall was Charlie Kirk of Turning Point?
The late American right-wing conservative political activist was 5 feet 7 inches or 170 centimeters tall and weighed 152 pounds or 69 kilograms.
Trivia
- Charlie Kirk was one of the most prominent voices of the populist MAGA movement.
- His mother is a mental health counselor, and his father is an architect.
- Kirk hosted a daily three-hour radio talk show, The Charlie Kirk Show.
- His outspoken political activism received criticism and controversy.
- In March 2025, President Trump appointed Kirk to the United States Air Force Academy Board of Visitors.
- The late activist was a gun owner and gun rights advocate.
- He was highly supportive of Israel.
- Kirk supported the Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, and Oregon Ducks.
Charlie Kirk's life and career left a lasting mark on American politics and conservative activism. From founding Turning Point USA as a teenager to becoming a national voice for young conservatives, he shaped debates on culture, faith, and education.
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