Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent conservative voice, died from a single gunshot wound at Utah Valley University during his “American Comeback Tour.” The incident occurred around midday under a pop-up shade tent at the Sorensen Center courtyard in Orem, Utah, when a single bullet struck him in the neck. Video footage shows him recoiling in pain and falling from his chair, blood evident as the crowd fled in panic. Initially, a suspect, described as an older man, was taken into custody shortly thereafter, though authorities have since announced that the shooter is still at large.

Against that backdrop of violence, the Arizona Globe wants to honor what Charlie Kirk’s presence and his vision meant to many. He is more than a pundit or activist.

Charlie Kirk was more than just a pundit or activist, doing what few in our time have dared. Charlie took on the culture of our universities, schools, and the public square and built a movement to give young conservative Americans a voice. What began in 2012 evolved into a powerhouse known as Turning Point USA, with chapters in high schools and colleges across the nation.

Charlie’s vision was always simple, but profound. He wanted to educate, train, and organize the next generation to champion freedom, free markets, and limited government. He understood at the young age of 18 that the battle for America’s future wasn’t just in Washington—it was in the classrooms, the lunch tables, and the lecture halls where ideas are shaped.

Charlie put professors and institutions on notice through the Professor Watchlist, exposing bias against conservative students. He built large-scale gatherings like the Student Action Summit and AmericaFest, where thousands of young conservatives could come together, learn, and unite.

But he didn’t stop there. Charlie expanded the mission with Turning Point Action, giving conservatives the grassroots infrastructure to engage in elections, and Turning Point Faith, reaching into the churches and reminding pastors that freedom and faith are inseparable. He turned MAGA into more than a political slogan—it became, in his words, “a symbol of hope, optimism, patriotism, and taking back our country.”

Charlie Kirk’s vision is not just about winning today’s battles. It’s about shaping tomorrow’s leaders. He has always believed that God is not done with America, and his relentless push to involve young people in the fight proves he is serious about keeping the flame of liberty alive for generations to come.

In Charlie, we see more than a political organizer—we see a watchdog who built a pipeline for young conservatives to step up, lead, and take their place in America’s story.

The Arizona Globe stands with Turning Point, Charlie’s business partner, Tyler Bowyer, and Charlie’s wife and kids during this tragic moment. We are praying for Charlie, his family, and his supporters.