Charlie Kirk, the founder of the right-wing grassroots organisation Turning Point USA (TPUSA), was shot dead by a sniper while speaking at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. The 31-year-old was discussing gun violence when he was struck by a bullet, and died later in hospital. A manhunt for the gunman is ongoing.
Kirk founded TPUSA in 2012 as an 18-year-old college dropout and admirer of Ronald Reagan, with support from Tea Party-backed candidate Bill Montgomery. The organisation aims to promote conservative values in educational institutions, which it views as left-leaning. It grew significantly during Donald Trump's rise, with Kirk becoming a prominent culture warrior on issues such as trans rights, abortion, and gun control.
TPUSA now operates at 3,500 institutions with over 850 campus chapters and field representatives in all 50 states. It runs conferences, maintains Professor Watchlist and School Board Watchlist databases, and produces podcasts including the Charlie Kirk Show. The group also has spinoffs such as Turning Point Action and Turning Point UK.
President Trump, who spoke at a TPUSA event last September, has announced he will posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America's highest civilian honour.
