Yesterday there was a tragedy on Utah Valley University campus that shook the conservative part of America. Charlie Kirk, a well-known right-wing activist, writer and founder of the U.S. Turning Point organization, was fatally shot during a public debate. He was 31.
Kirk sat under the tent, taking part in discussions with political opponents. Supporters and protesters gathered around. The atmosphere was tense, but known for akin events. That's erstwhile the shot came. Bullet hit him in the neck. 1 minute the crowd panicked and threw himself away.
Who was Charlie Kirk?
Charles James Kirk was born on October 14, 1993 in Arlington Heights, Illinois. He grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. As a teenager, he was politically involved. He supported Senator Mark Kirk's run (accidental name convergence) and protested against price increases in the school cafeteria. He briefly studied at Harper College, but discontinued his education to devote himself to political activity. He made the decision under the influence of a associate of the Tea organization movement, Bill Montgomery. At the age of 18, he founded the Turning Point USA, a conservative youth movement that rapidly gained popularity and powerful financial support. Among his donors were billionaire Foster Friess.
Kirk built his position, creating a strong ideological brand around him. The TPUSA organization grew stronger by organising conferences, debates, protests and social campaigns at American universities. Kirk was not only her face, but besides her strategy and ideology. His initiatives, specified as prof. Watchlist and School Board Watchlist, were to exposure left-wing indoctrination in academic environments. In 2019, Kirk established a Turning Point Action, a more political arm of the organization. Later, in collaboration with Pastor Rob McCoy, he founded Turning Point religion to activate spiritual communities around conservative themes. He besides hosted the show "The Charlie Kirk Show", aired on radio waves and on the Internet.
Kirk was an open ally of Donald Trump and 1 of the loudest promoters of his narrative. He preached Christian conservatism, criticized abortion, LGBTQ community, equal reforms, and civilian rights laws. He was known for his controversial statements, including Martin Luther King Jr. or the civilian Rights Act of 1964.
Fire on campus.
On the day of his death, Charlie Kirk participated in an event organized by TPUSA at Utah Valley University. He was to debate with students and perfect opponents, as he had done for years. This time, however, the script was tragic. Bullet hit him in the neck. Emergency services were called, but his life was not saved.
Kirk's death shook the political environment in the United States. Both the right and any of the demoliberal media expressed compassion. any commentators, especially on the right side of the political scene, began to talk about him as a martyr to the conservative movement. For the moment, the identity of the perpetrator or the motive for the execution has not been revealed. The FBI is investigating, considering various scenarios: political assassination, act of madness, revenge, provocation or extremism.
To his followers Charlie Kirk was a model of patriotism and integrity. After death appeared banners with his image and slogans: “He died for the truth”, “The Victim of Cultural War”, “You will not silence us”. Right-wing commentators and politicians propose that his assassination was not accidental, but part of a wider fight against conservatism.
