By Philip C. Johnson – September 10, 2025
On September 10, 2025, the conservative movement was rocked by the assassination of Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, during a speaking event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Kirk was fatally shot in the neck from a distance of 100–200 yards, possibly from a rooftop, while engaging in a Q&A session as part of his “American Comeback Tour.” Despite being rushed to Timpanogos Regional Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after. Utah Governor Spencer Cox labeled the act a “political assassination,” underscoring Kirk’s prominence as a conservative activist and his influence in mobilizing young Republican voters. President Donald Trump, in a Truth Social post, mourned Kirk as “Great, and even Legendary,” ordering U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff in his honor. A manhunt for the shooter, led by the FBI, is ongoing, with two initial persons of interest detained and later released.
The assassination has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, with many viewing it as a dangerous escalation of political violence in the United States. Coming on the heels of incidents like the 2024 assassination attempts on Trump, Kirk’s death has intensified concerns about the deepening divide in American politics. Kirk, survived by his wife Erika and their two young children, was remembered not only for his activism but also for his personal warmth and dedication to his family.
Reactions from Conservative Voices
Prominent conservative commentator Matt Walsh, at The Daily Wire, expressed profound grief and outrage on X, capturing the sentiment of many in the conservative community. His posts reflect the raw emotion and call for conservative unity in the wake of this tragedy:
- After Kirk’s death was confirmed, Walsh wrote: “All that Charlie ever did was have conversations with people. He didn’t insult anyone. He made arguments. He debated. He wasn’t an extremist in any way. Everyone who knew Charlie personally loved him. That’s the kind of guy he was. And they still killed him. I am furious and heartbroken in equal measure. I cannot put into words how I feel. Maybe that is for the best.”
- Later, Walsh urged solidarity: “The entire Right has to band together. Enough of this in-fighting bullsh*t. We are up against demonic forces from the pit of Hell. They’re killing us in our churches. They tried to kill our president. They killed Charlie, one of our greatest advocates. Put the personal squabbles aside. Now’s not the time. This is existential. A fight for our own existence and the existence of the country.”
Adding to the chorus of international conservative voices, British podcaster and commentator Konstantin Kisin, co-host of the Triggernometry podcast, shared a poignant reflection on his Substack later that evening:
“I hope I’m wrong. But tonight feels like some sort of invisible line has been crossed that we didn’t even know was there. The last time I felt like this was 9/11 when it was clear, without knowing the how and the what, that the world was about to change forever. Like the rules of the game had been permanently altered and there was simply no going back to the innocent, peaceful past. I didn’t feel like this when an attempt was made on President Trump’s life. If I had to rationalise why I didn’t, I guess it’s because several US Presidents have been shot at and even assassinated. Somehow it was within the realms of the possible, no matter how awful. But to murder a young father simply for doing debates and mobilising young people to vote for a party that represents half of America? This is something else. Charlie’s death is a tragedy for his wife, his children and his family. I don’t pray often. I am praying for them tonight. But I fear his murder will be a tragedy for all of us in ways we will only understand as time unfolds. I hope I’m wrong.” Kisin’s post, drawing parallels to the seismic shift after 9/11, underscored the broader implications of Kirk’s murder as a potential turning point in political discourse and safety.
Apprehension and Release of Suspects
As the FBI’s manhunt intensified, two separate suspects were briefly detained in connection with the shooting but were both released after questioning failed to yield sufficient evidence. The first, George Zinn, an elderly man in his late 60s spotted near the university campus with what appeared to be a suspicious backpack, was apprehended shortly after the shooting. Eyewitnesses reported him acting erratically, but he was cleared after searches revealed no weapon or ties to the crime.
The second suspect, Zachariah Qureshi, a younger man, was detained later that evening. He was held for several hours at a nearby police station but released without charges when alibis and digital forensics ruled him out. Authorities have not ruled out further leads, but the rapid releases have fueled speculation about the shooter’s possible escape routes.
Adding intrigue to the investigation, conservative commentator Alexander Graves posted on X detailing an account from the scene: “The first old man who was apprehended threw himself at police saying, ‘shoot me shoot me,’ gave pause on the search of the shooter allowing him to get away.” Graves suggested this erratic behavior might indicate a coordinated effort, potentially a diversion tactic to buy time for the actual assassin. While unverified by official sources, the claim has circulated widely among conservative circles, prompting calls for deeper probes into possible accomplices. The FBI has acknowledged reviewing all witness statements but declined to comment on specifics.
A Nation on Edge
Kirk’s assassination marks a grim milestone in an era of heightened political tension—and too much bloodshed. The media is finally beginning to cover the senseless murder of Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian immigrant on a train in Charlotte, NC on August 22, 2025, and the recent murder of children at the hands of a transgender shooter at a Christian school in Minneapolis on August 27, 2025.
As investigations continue and the nation mourns, Charlie Kirk’s life stands as a testament to unwavering conviction and bold faith. A devout Christian, Kirk lived his beliefs with courage, fearlessly sharing the Gospel and discipling young believers through Turning Point USA and his public platform. His commitment to truth, rooted in his faith, inspired countless young conservatives to stand firm in their values. To those who claim to follow Christ, Kirk’s legacy issues a challenge: to bravely share their faith, mentor the next generation of believers, and stand unwaveringly for truth in the face of opposition. His life, though tragically cut short, leaves an enduring call to live with purpose and conviction, trusting in the hope of eternity.
Notes: This is a developing situation, information is rapidly changing—stay tuned to media you trust. In addition, there are many posts on social media celebrating the death of Charlie Kirk. I will not highlight those comments here.
The Global Nexter 