Memorial Set for Charlie Kirk, Founder of Turning Point USA

Charlie Kirk is a prominent American conservative activist and the founder of Turning Point USA, a national student movement dedicated to promoting free markets and limited government. Born in 1993, Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012 at the age of 18, alongside Bill Montgomery. The organization has grown significantly, with a presence on over 3,000 high school and college campuses across the U.S. and more than 650,000 lifetime student members[2][3]. Kirk has been a prolific media presence, appearing thousands of times on various platforms, including Fox News and The Washington Post. He was named to the Forbes "30 under 30" list and became the youngest speaker at the 2016 Republican National Convention. He also served as the opening speaker at the 2020 RNC[2]. In addition to his activism, Kirk is an author, having written several books, including "The MAGA Doctrine," which became a best-seller on Amazon and The New York Times. His most recent book, "Rightwing Revolution," was released in 2024[2]. Kirk's involvement in politics extends beyond Turning Point USA. He was active in Bruce Rauner's successful 2014 gubernatorial campaign in Illinois. Rauner, who later became a financial supporter of Turning Point USA, praised Kirk's activism[3]. Kirk's activities have been controversial, drawing both support and criticism. Recently, Kirk's life was tragically cut short, and the FBI is investigating his death, offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible[3]. Despite the controversy surrounding his views and actions, Kirk remains a significant figure in conservative American politics.

Erika Kirk is an American entrepreneur, faith-based ministry leader, former pageant titleholder, and nonprofit founder who gained prominence as Miss Arizona USA in 2012 and later through business and ministry ventures tied to Christian faith and conservative activism. [6][2] Kirk founded the nonprofit Everyday Heroes Like You as a young adult and launched faith-centered initiatives including BIBLEin365, a daily-scripture ministry, and Proclaim, a Christian clothing line emphasizing faith and U.S. manufacturing. [1][2] She also hosts the devotional podcast “Midweek Rise Up” and has worked in modeling, acting and casting, while citing a focus on family and ministry in her public biography. [3][4] Academically, Kirk studied at Regis University (where she played NCAA women’s basketball), earned dual undergraduate degrees in political science and international relations from Arizona State University, and completed a Juris Master in American legal studies from Liberty University; she has also pursued advanced studies in biblical/Christian leadership at Liberty. [4][6][3] Kirk’s public profile increased sharply in 2025 after the fatal shooting of her husband, conservative activist Charlie Kirk; eight days after his death, the board of Turning Point USA — the youth-focused conservative nonprofit Charlie co‑founded — unanimously elected Erika Kirk as CEO and board chair to lead the organization. [2][3] The board said Charlie had previously identified her in succession plans, and Kirk has called for supporters to continue and expand the organization’s campus work. [2][3] Her current relevance stems from steering a large national organization with substantial staff and campus presence while maintaining her existing ministry and business projects; reporting describes her role as central to preserving and advancing her late husband’s political and organizational legacy. [2][3] Recent coverage focuses on her leadership transition at Turning Point USA and her public appeals to supporters following Charlie Kirk’s death. [2][3][5]