Over $6 million have poured in to honor conservative activist Charlie Kirk and support his family after the 31-year-old was assassinated in Utah on Wednesday.
Why It Matters
News and videos of Kirk’s assassination swept quickly through the country, with people immediately mourning his death and leaders and prominent figures across the political spectrum condemning the violence. Vice President JD Vance escorted Kirk’s casket on Air Force Two while President Donald Trump ordered the lowering of flags, gestures that emphasize Kirk’s prominence.
Thousands have attended vigils in his honor, and a memorial service is scheduled next Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, which seats more than 60,000 people. Trump has said he will be in attendance.
Kirk was the co-founder and executive director of Turning Point USA, a prominent conservative campus organization. He was a frequent political commentator, often speaking on college campuses and hosting media programs and conferences, as well as a close ally to Trump.
The shooting comes amid a broader climate of political violence across the United States. In June, Minnesota Democratic state Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot and killed in their home a targeted political act.
What To Know
Kirk is survived by his wife Erika and two children, and several online fundraisers have launched to support them and honor his legacy.
A fundraiser started by ALP, a nicotine pouch brand co-owned by Tucker Carlson Network and Turning Point brands, has soared in recent days. Carlson, a former Fox News host and prominent conservative commentator, has repeatedly expressed his heartbreak over Kirk’s death, and ALP has contributed $1 million to the fundraiser. As of Sunday morning, the ALP’s GiveSendGo has raised over $4,650,000, and has a goal of $6 million.
Another online fundraiser shared on Turning Point Action’s website and identified as the “official support page” has raised over $1,250,000 as of Sunday, and one started by Glenn Beck’s 9-12 project has raised over $500,000.
Smaller fundraisers across GoFundMe have collected tens of thousands of dollars, with one raising over $60,800.
Cumulatively, fundraisers have raised over $6 million as of Sunday morning. Kirk’s widow, Erika, has pledged to continue her late-husband’s political efforts, saying Friday, “the movement my husband built will not die. It won’t, I refuse to let that happen.”
What People Are Saying
ALP wrote in the online fundraiser: “Our team at ALP is heartbroken by the death of Charlie Kirk — a devoted husband, father, and friend. Love for God, family, and country defined his life.”
Elon Musk wrote in an X post Sunday: “Support Turning Point for Charlie, for sanity, for the future of civilization.”
Turning Point Action wrote in an X post Sunday: “We are deeply moved by the outpouring of love and support for the Kirk family and for our organization during this incredibly difficult time. We are especially grateful to those who have reached out asking how they can help.”
President Donald Trump wrote in a Truth Social post on Wednesday: “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!”
Vice President JD Vance, who shared close ties with Kirk, posted a long message on X in honor of Kirk on Wednesday night, writing: “Charlie Kirk was a true friend. The kind of guy you could say something to and know it would always stay with him…So much of the success we’ve had in this administration traces directly to Charlie’s ability to organize and convene. He didn’t just help us win in 2024, he helped us staff the entire government.”
What Happens Next?
Fundraisers are still collecting money, many with goals in the millions. A memorial service for Kirk will take place in Glendale on September 21.
The suspected shooter, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, has been taken into custody in Utah and accused of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a weapon, and obstruction of justice.
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