Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and ally of President Donald Trump, was reported to have died at a Utah college due to a shooting incident on Wednesday. At 31 years old, Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA (TPUSA) in 2012, an organization aimed at promoting conservative values on college campuses across the United States. He became well-known for engaging in open-air debates with students on various contentious topics, including transgender issues, climate change, and family values.
Kirk’s background includes growing up in Prospect Heights, a suburb of Chicago, and briefly attending community college before focusing on political activism. Historically, he applied for West Point but was unsuccessful. He often jokingly addressed his lack of a college degree when discussing complex subjects during debates.
His rise within TPUSA coincided with President Barack Obama’s re-election in 2012, which led to an increased focus on conservative outreach. The organization now boasts chapters in over 850 colleges. Kirk was an active public speaker, having recently addressed the Oxford Union, and authored a bestseller titled The Maga Doctrine in 2020. TPUSA notably contributed to voter mobilization efforts for Trump and other Republicans in the last election cycle, with Kirk playing a key role in registering new voters.
Kirk maintained close ties with Trump, attending his inauguration and frequently visiting the White House during Trump’s presidency. He was recognized for his grassroots insight within the “Make America Great Again” movement. His political activism was underscored by his evangelical Christian beliefs, alongside his family life, including a marriage to a former Miss Arizona and their two children. Kirk’s influence in conservative circles was highlighted by Trump’s tribute during a podcast segment, acknowledging his significant contributions to youth political engagement.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdxqnkwerj7o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss