Charlie Kirk’s memory honoured by Trump, Turning Point USA on anniversary of death

Conservative activist, entrepreneur, and media personality was gunned down in Utah one year ago

Published Sep 10, 2026  •  Last updated 5 minutes ago  •  2 minute read

U.S. conservative activist Charlie Kirk speaks on stage at America Fest 2024 in Phoenix, Dec. 22, 2024. Photo by Josh Edelson / AFP / Files /Getty Images

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Charlie Kirk’s memory was honoured on the first anniversary of his death by U.S. President Donald Trump and Turning Point USA, the conservative organization the late activist and entrepreneur co-founded.

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Kirk was gunned down on Sept. 10, 2025, during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University in Orem, about 60 km south of Salt Lake City.

He was just 31 years old.

Charlie Kirk pins are seen on a table on the first day of the 2026 Republican National Convention at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026. Photo by Brandon Bell /Getty Images

During a keynote address Thursday evening at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, Trump honoured the life of the late conservative media personality, with Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, in attendance and seated next to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

“What shocked millions of Americans was not only the fact that Charlie was murdered, as bad as it was, but also how many people made an excuse for it or cheered for it,” Trump said.

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“For a brief moment, the mask came off the radical left and you saw what they were really all about.”

The crowd broke out in chants of “Charlie, Charlie” after Erika Kirk stood up and received a long standing ovation.

‘Champion for freedom’

The White House also shared a two-minute highlight video Thursday of Kirk, whom it called a “fearless patriot” and a “champion for freedom” in the country.

“Charlie Kirk changed the course of American history,” the White House said on its X account. “His courage, conviction, and love of country will never be forgotten.

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Turning Point USA, the organization Kirk led, said Thursday that the country’s history was changed forever a year ago.

“There are no words that can adequately describe what this past year has been like,” the organization said in a statement shared on its website and social channels.

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Unimaginable loss for Kirk family

The youth organization said it will never forget the unimaginable loss the Kirk family has endured over the past year and touched upon his faith.

“He believed deeply in God and trusted that his life was guided by a meaningful purpose,” the group said.

“Charlie’s faith in Christ was his armor, which no assassin could overcome. He believed in life everlasting, and it was this unshakable faith that gave him a courage that was impossible to miss.”

Murder case going to trial

Meanwhile, the murder case against Kirk’s alleged killer is going to trial.

Earlier this month, a Utah judge sided with prosecutors who said they had “overwhelming” evidence that 23-year-old Tyler Robinson, the man accused of shooting Kirk to death, pulled the trigger, according to ABC affiliate KTVX.

Robinson has been charged with aggravated murder, as well as five additional felonies and a misdemeanour.

The accused, whose lawyers tried to stop the trial from going forward, faces a potential death sentence if convicted.

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