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Charlie Kirk Influential Voice For Young Conservatives Cbs News

Bonisiwe Shabane
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charlie kirk influential voice for young conservatives cbs news

Updated on: September 12, 2025 / 11:45 AM EDT / CBS News Washington — Charlie Kirk, a right-wing political activist and influential voice for young conservatives in the digital age, died Wednesday after he was shot in the neck at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. He was 31. Kirk, a father of two, was shot as he was speaking to students at an event for Turning Point USA, an organization for young conservatives he co-founded in 2012. "The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead," President Trump wrote. "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." According to video shared on social media, an audience member asked Kirk about mass shootings in the U.S. before Kirk was hit in the neck and slumped in his chair. Two eyewitnesses told CBS News a large volume of blood poured from his neck. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. (TNND) — Charlie Kirk was "a singular voice for a generation" of young conservatives, politics professor Casey Burgat said Thursday.

"In an age of influencers, he was the right's main influencer for the next generation," said Burgat, the Legislative Affairs Program Director at George Washington University. Kirk was struck down by an assassin’s bullet Wednesday while speaking to a crowd at Utah Valley University. But he left an undeniable political legacy with his focus on engaging young people in policy debate, activism and voting. Kirk founded the nonprofit political youth organization Turning Point USA in 2012, growing it into a presence on high school and college campuses nationwide. He was only 18 when he started Turning Point USA. Adriana Gomez Licon, Associated Press Adriana Gomez Licon, Associated Press

Bill Barrow, Associated Press Bill Barrow, Associated Press Charlie Kirk began plotting a way to mold young minds into conservatism at an age when he was still sorting out his own path. Looking to channel his political inclinations into action after a rejection from West Point, Kirk was 18 when he launched a grassroots organization from an Illinois garage that would grow alongside the rise of... Kirk admitted later he had “no money, no connections and no idea what I was doing” when he started Turning Point USA in 2012. But his rhetorical gifts for countering progressive ideas by leaning into cultural tensions and making provocative declarations instantly resonated with college audiences during the Obama years. READ MORE: 4 things to to know about the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk

In the wake of Charlie Kirk's assassination on Sept. 10, NYT reporter Robert Draper talks with Terry Gross about the conservative activist's rise and legacy. Draper profiled Kirk earlier this year and stayed in touch up to the day before his death. We also discuss right-wing extremist Nick Fuentes, a rival of Kirk’s with a large following. Sep 10, 2025, 3:12 PM | Updated: Sep 11, 2025, 12:07 pm Charlie Kirk, who rose from a teenage conservative campus activist to a top podcaster and ally of President Donald Trump, was shot and killed Wednesday during one of his trademark public appearances at a...

He was 31. Kirk died doing what made him a potent political force — rallying the right on a college campus, this time Utah Valley University. The event was kicking off a planned series of Kirk college appearances from Colorado to Virginia dubbed “The American Comeback Tour.” His assassination was one of an escalating number of attacks on political figures, from the assassination of a Democratic state lawmaker and her husband in Minnesota to last summer’s shooting of Trump, that have... Trump announced Kirk’s death on his social media site, Truth Social. Charlie Kirk has become one of the most prominent figures in contemporary American conservatism.

As the founder of Turning Point USA, he has changed the political landscape, especially among younger generations. His journey, from a high school student passionate about politics to a national spokesperson for conservative ideals, showcases his dedication and significant influence. Charlie Kirk was born on October 14, 1993, in Arlington Heights, Illinois. He grew up in a politically involved family, which sparked his interest in politics at an early age. While attending Wheeling High School, Kirk became known for his outspoken views on many political issues. His commitment to conservatism led him to work on local political campaigns, where he sharpened his public speaking and advocacy skills.

After high school, he enrolled at Harper College but soon realized that the traditional education path did not align with his goals. He made the bold decision to drop out, driven by a vision of promoting conservative values among young people. This pivotal choice ultimately resulted in the founding of Turning Point USA in 2012, which targets the youth demographic. Turning Point USA (TPUSA) was created to educate students about free markets, limited government, and individual liberty. Under Kirk's leadership, TPUSA quickly gained ground on colleges throughout the United States. For instance, TPUSA has chapters at over 1,300 campuses and has organized more than 1,000 events.

Its grassroots activism equips students with the tools to advocate for conservative policies effectively. Kirk's charisma and ability to connect with young people have been central to TPUSA's success. He has leveraged social media well, reaching millions of followers. For example, his videos on platforms like Twitter and Instagram often receive hundreds of thousands of views, engaging young audiences in discussions about conservative values. His relatable style has made him a sought-after speaker across the nation. Whether you agree or disagree with our analysis, these conversations matter for democracy.

We don't take money from political groups - even a $5 donation helps us keep it that way. Charlie Kirk has had a significant influence on young conservatives in the US, primarily through his organization Turning Point USA, which he founded to spread conservative ideals on college campuses [1]. He was a key figure in the MAGA movement and had a close relationship with President Donald Trump and his family [1]. Kirk's influence extended beyond college campuses, and he was a leading voice in the conservative movement, known for his provocative declarations and ability to mobilize young conservatives [1]. He was a skilled communicator and fundraiser who built a massive following across various media platforms [2]. Kirk's legacy will likely be remembered as a cultural hero to a large segment of the country, and his influence will continue to be felt in the years to come [3].

His organization played a key role in the get-out-the-vote effort for Trump and other Republican candidates, with 47% of voters aged 18-29 opting for Trump in 2024 [4]. Kirk's message on faith has also impacted many young conservatives, with 37,000 new chapter requests for Turning Point USA since his death [5]. He was a polarizing figure who stood for conservative ideals, including limited government, free markets, and fiscal responsibility [6]. Key points to note are: 2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

While the analyses provided highlight Kirk's influence on young conservatives, there is limited discussion on the potential drawbacks of his influence, such as the polarization of young voters and the impact of his provocative... Additionally, the sources do not provide a comprehensive view of the criticisms leveled against Kirk and his organization, including concerns about their role in spreading misinformation and promoting divisive ideologies [7]. Alternative viewpoints, such as those from liberal or progressive perspectives, are largely absent from the analyses, which may provide a more nuanced understanding of Kirk's influence and legacy [8] [9]. It is also worth noting that the sources do not provide a detailed analysis of the demographic breakdown of Kirk's influence, including the potential differences in his impact on young conservatives from diverse backgrounds... 3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

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Updated On: September 12, 2025 / 11:45 AM EDT /

Updated on: September 12, 2025 / 11:45 AM EDT / CBS News Washington — Charlie Kirk, a right-wing political activist and influential voice for young conservatives in the digital age, died Wednesday after he was shot in the neck at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. He was 31. Kirk, a father of two, was shot as he was speaking to students at an event for Turning Point USA, an organization for you...

He Was Loved And Admired By ALL, Especially Me, And

He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us." According to video shared on social media, an audience member asked Kirk about mass shootings in the U.S. before Kirk was hit in the neck and slumped in his chair. Two eyewitnesses told CBS News a large volume of blood poured from his neck. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. (TNN...

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"In an age of influencers, he was the right's main influencer for the next generation," said Burgat, the Legislative Affairs Program Director at George Washington University. Kirk was struck down by an assassin’s bullet Wednesday while speaking to a crowd at Utah Valley University. But he left an undeniable political legacy with his focus on engaging young people in policy debate, activism and vot...

Bill Barrow, Associated Press Bill Barrow, Associated Press Charlie Kirk

Bill Barrow, Associated Press Bill Barrow, Associated Press Charlie Kirk began plotting a way to mold young minds into conservatism at an age when he was still sorting out his own path. Looking to channel his political inclinations into action after a rejection from West Point, Kirk was 18 when he launched a grassroots organization from an Illinois garage that would grow alongside the rise of... K...

In The Wake Of Charlie Kirk's Assassination On Sept. 10,

In the wake of Charlie Kirk's assassination on Sept. 10, NYT reporter Robert Draper talks with Terry Gross about the conservative activist's rise and legacy. Draper profiled Kirk earlier this year and stayed in touch up to the day before his death. We also discuss right-wing extremist Nick Fuentes, a rival of Kirk’s with a large following. Sep 10, 2025, 3:12 PM | Updated: Sep 11, 2025, 12:07 pm Ch...