The fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, a leading conservative activist and a prominent figure within the MAGA movement, has sent shockwaves through American politics. Kirk, who co-founded Turning Point USA, was shot dead while speaking at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, September 10. His killing has triggered an outpouring of grief, anger and defiance among MAGA supporters of President Donald Trump.
Outrage among supporters
Across social media platforms, thousands of MAGA followers expressed sorrow while venting frustration at what they described as a toxic media environment. Many accused cultural outlets and mainstream networks of fuelling hostility towards Kirk, pointing in particular to a parody aired on South Park shortly before his death. To them, the incident resembled a political assassination, with some urging conservatives to “fight harder” in Kirk’s memory.
Some supporters hailed him as a “beacon” for right-leaning youth, with tributes describing his work as vital to shaping the next generation of conservative voices. His death, many argued, symbolised the dangers posed by deepening divisions in American political life.
What Trump and allies said?
President Donald Trump announced Kirk’s death on Truth Social, calling him “great” and “legendary.” He noted that Kirk had been deeply loved by young Americans, and that he personally held him in the highest regard. Trump also ordered flags to be flown at half-mast in honour of the activist.
Other senior conservatives echoed this sentiment. US V-P JD Vance, described Kirk as a “martyr for American values.” Donald Trump Jr. posted a heartfelt tribute: “I love you brother. You gave so many people the courage to speak up and we will not ever be silenced.”
Fox News host Jesse Watters gave an emotional monologue, condemning the attack as part of a “pattern of political violence.” He accused the left and the media of creating a hostile climate and pledged that the movement would “avenge” Kirk by advancing his conservative values.
Messages of solidarity also came from Eric Trump, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Candace Owens, Pete Hegseth and Nick Fuentes. Many described Kirk as a figure who had given courage to conservative students facing hostility on campuses.
US Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins described Kirk’s death as “a profound tragedy” not only for his family but for America itself. She wrote, “Trading away the politics of reason and persuasion – Charlie’s life’s work – for the false politics of violence and murder is trading away America itself.”
Utah’s Republican Senator Mike Lee was equally forceful, calling the killing “a cowardly act of violence” against all Americans committed to civil debate.
What we know about the shooting?
The shooting occurred at around 12:10 p.m. local time during Kirk’s “American Comeback Tour.” A video of the event captured the moment he was struck in the neck, after which he collapsed as the audience fled in panic.
A person of interest was briefly detained but later released, with police confirming they were not the shooter. As of now, the gunman remains at large.
The FBI has launched a full investigation, with Utah’s Governor Spencer Cox calling the attack a “political assassination.”