Charlie Kirk was a well-known American conservative activist, author, and media figure. As the founder of Turning Point USA, he played a major role in mobilizing young conservatives and influencing political debates in the U.S. until his death in 2025.
Profile Summary
| Full name | Charles James Kirk |
| Date of birth | October 14, 1993 |
| Place of birth | Arlington Heights, Illinois, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Partner | Erika Frantzve |
| Children | 2 |
| Occupations | Conservative activist, author, podcast host |
| Date of death | September 10, 2025 |
Early Life and Education
Born Charles James Kirk on October 14, 1993, in Arlington Heights, Illinois, he was raised in Prospect Heights. His father was an architect and his mother worked in mental health.
Kirk was an Eagle Scout and attended Wheeling High School. He briefly went to Harper College before dropping out to dedicate himself fully to political activism, inspired by Tea Party activist Bill Montgomery.
Career
At 18, Kirk founded Turning Point USA to promote conservative ideas on college campuses.
The group grew to hundreds of chapters nationwide and played a key role in energizing young voters and supporting Republican candidates, especially Donald Trump.
Kirk also hosted a popular daily podcast and launched Turning Point Action in 2019 to support conservative campaigns.
Personal Life
Kirk married Erika Frantzve in 2021. The couple had two children and lived mainly in Florida, actively participating in conservative circles.
Death
On September 10, 2025, Charlie Kirk was fatally shot while delivering a speech at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, as part of his American Comeback Tour.
The shooting happened shortly after noon in front of about 3,000 attendees during an outdoor event titled “Prove Me Wrong,” where Kirk was engaging students in political debate.
He was struck by a single bullet to the neck and immediately taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. Kirk was 31 years old.
Awards and Legacy
Kirk was named on Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list and is remembered for transforming youth political activism through Turning Point USA, significantly impacting recent U.S. elections.
