GOP activist Charlie Kirk assassinated, connection to Centre County remembered

Popular conservative activist and commentator Charlie Kirk, the founder of the advocacy organization Turning Point USA, was fatally shot during an American Comeback Tour stop at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.

President Donald Trump later confirmed Kirk’s death in a statement on social media:

“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!”

Kirk was “murdered by a gunshot,” a spokesperson for Turning Point USA later confirmed in a statement to NBC News.

“We ask that everyone keep his family and loved ones in your prayers,” the organization said. “We ask that you please respect their privacy and dignity in this time.”

Kirk leaves behind his wife, Erika Frantzve, and their two young children.

The shooting unfolded as Kirk hosted one of his “Prove Me Wrong” campus events, where attendees are invited to challenge his views. According to the New York Times, Kirk’s killer fired from about 200 yards away near the school’s Losee Center.

The suspected gunman is reportedly still at large.

Video shared online shows chaos as the crowd scattered, followed by footage of the moment Kirk was struck.

National Response

Prayers and messages of support poured in for Kirk, a prominent figure on the right who was a key presence in Trump’s 2024 reelection effort. Since launching Turning Point USA in 2012, he has become a recognizable name in conservative circles, often noted for his appearances on college campuses and spirited debates with students.

When news of the shooting first broke, President Donald Trump posted: “Everyone should pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been wounded. He’s an outstanding person through and through. GOD BLESS HIM!”

Vice President J.D. Vance also weighed in, urging, “Please keep Charlie Kirk in your prayers — he’s a truly good man and a young father.”

Utah Governor Spencer Cox said in a statement that he was being briefed on “the violence directed at Charlie Kirk during his visit to Utah Valley University today.”

“Those responsible will be held fully accountable. Violence has no place in our public life. Americans of every political persuasion must unite in condemning this act. Our prayers are with Charlie, his family, and all those affected,” Cox added.

Centre County Connection

Kirk’s death reverberates strongly at Penn State, where he made a stop last fall as part of the group’s “You’re Being Brainwashed” Tour. The stated goal of the tour was to equip students to “challenge left-wing indoctrination on college campuses.”

Charlie Kirk hands out hats at Penn State in September 2024

At Penn State, Kirk distributed red “Make America Great Again” hats and addressed a large crowd while Turning Point staff registered voters. Student protesters, meanwhile, carried signs reading “shut down racists” and “defund hate speech.”

The event escalated when Penn State officials cut power to Kirk’s microphone, citing violations of university rules that prohibit amplified sound during the day. Still, Kirk remained on campus, speaking directly to the crowd and posing for photos with supporters.

Michelle Schellberg, Chair of the Centre County Republican Committee, shared condolences for Kirk’s wife and children and described how he left his mark on local politics.

“We mourn the loss of Charlie Kirk and extend our heartfelt prayers to his family,” Schellberg said. “We are especially grateful for Charlie’s selfless commitment to Centre County, registering more than 450 Penn State students last fall. In his honor, we will double our voter-registration efforts and champion the cause of freedom. Charlie’s passion and courage will not be forgotten, and we remain steadfast in our resolve to overcome evil with good.”

Therese Hollen and Charlie Kirk at Penn State

Centre County’s Therese Hollen, executive director of Citizens Alliance of Pennsylvania, received support from Kirk during her Republican campaign for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2024.

“Charlie Kirk was the best America has to offer; he had a huge heart,” she said in a statement. “He took time out of his busy schedule to help me. Charlie worked tirelessly to make our country a better place for generations to come. I believe that is his true legacy.”

State Sen. Cris Dush, R-Brookville, posted a video on Facebook from Penn State’s campus Wednesday evening and reflected on Kirk’s impact on young people.

“They tried to shut him down — they tried to shut him down in so many ways, but he wouldn’t be silenced, even when his voice was gone,” Dush said. “Let this be time for America to come together and stand against violence of all kinds. It is the evil that is in men’s hearts that cause the violence, it is not the means by which it’s perpetrated.”

U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-Howard, said there is no place for political violence in America. “Penny and I are praying for Charlie Kirk and his young family. This is extremely sad and tragic,” Thompson wrote on X.

Pennsylvania Republican Sen. Dave McCormick also posted on X, saying:

“Dina and I are heartbroken to learn that Charlie Kirk has passed away. He was a good man and a good friend with a beautiful young family. His murder is an outrage. Violence is never the answer, no matter your politics. What happened today is horrifying and must stop. Dina and I will continue to hold his family and all those close to him in our hearts.”