On September 10, 2025, Charlie Kirk was assassinated during an event at Utah Valley University at 12:20 p.m. local time.
Charlie Kirk was a MAGA ally and a significant conservative activist within the media who focused on the youth movement. Donald Trump and Charlie Kirk shared a close and special bond. The two spoke highly of one another and interacted with each other often through social media.
Videos from the event were filmed by many in the crowd around and during when Kirk was shot. These videos circulate online throughout social media platforms, such as TikTok, Facebook, and X (previously known as Twitter).
Trump confirmed Kirk’s death on the social media app, Truth Social. He published a post at 2:40 p.m. saying, “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead.” He continues, “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!”
Kirk has traveled all across the nation to colleges to hold conservative events, including the University of Tennessee and the University of Mississippi. Thousands of videos online show Kirk debating and discussing controversial topics with college kids at these events.
Police took in two suspects but quickly released them. After 33 hours of a manhunt, police found the alleged killer, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, on September 12th in his home. Robinson’s father turned Robinson in after recognizing him in photos released by the FBI.
The case has struck controversy across America. Kids at WHS have differing opinions. There are Kirk supporters where others are non-supporters.
One WHS junior says, “Gun violence is a huge issue in this country… That being said, so many other people have died from guns. Why haven’t they gotten the same attention? Sure, they didn’t have the same platform, but their lives are just as significant.” According to the Sandy Hook Promise Organization, guns are the leading cause of death for youth. On average, 12 children die from gun violence in America every day
“As someone who finds themselves pretty educated when it comes to politics, I will respect you and listen to your opinion and maybe even have a debate about it, but the thought of killing someone for thinking differently from me has never crossed my mind,” a sophomore student explains. She continues to discuss her condolences to Kirk’s wife, Erika, and his kids: “Erika and his kids had to sit there and watch their husband and father die… I wouldn’t wish that on my enemy.”
Another WHS junior says, “I feel like Charlie Kirk didn’t deserve to die over his opinion. At the same time, he would say some of the craziest things I’ve ever heard… Everyone has the right to say whatever they want, although it may be controversial.”
In 2012, Charlie Kirk founded a non-profit organization: Turning Point USA. The organization’s goal was to educate and inform young people about conservatism.
A senior shares his opinion: “I feel that anyone who wishes death on anyone they disagree with is the problem. [People and politicians] who celebrated his death on social media and showed joy that he has been killed should face consequences for such disrespect… His passing has grown the awareness about the Turning Point USA even more, causing a reverse effect than what his killer was hoping for.”
Educators and health-care providers have gotten fired for speaking publicly about Kirk’s death. For example, an art teacher in central Iowa was fired after posting on social media, “1 Nazi down”.
A junior says, “What surprises me is how many people started talking about gun violence now don’t feel the same urgency for genocide, school shootings, and gun violence in general, where entire communities and families are destroyed every day. I believe that even though I don’t support Kirk and his beliefs, I can still show sympathy. Yet, we should be speaking up just as loudly for others whose voices are silenced.”
“I think the democratic side should chill. But on the other hand, he shouldn’t be idolized like MLK. He was a very hateful person who spread problematic ideas. Kirk’s even been quoted saying, ‘A couple gun deaths a year is worth it to keep the 2nd Amendment.’ His death should be grieved because he is a human. At the same time, republicans need to keep in mind that what happened is a product of his rhetoric,” says another senior.
Although students have opposing political beliefs and conflicting perspectives, one thing they all have in common is the understanding that there needs to be a change within America, especially involving violence.
“We can’t take it as another excuse to further divide ourselves as a nation. Violence impacts people regardless of race, gender, age, or political beliefs. This is about keeping one another safe and becoming unified.”
