Charlie Kirk, conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was a husband and father of two young children at the time of his death on Wednesday at a campus event in Utah.
Kirk, 31, was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University, the first stop of Turning Point USAâs fall initiative, âThe American Comeback Tour.â
President Donald Trump confirmed Kirkâs death on social media, according to ABC, writing, âThe Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead.â Turning Point USA also released a statement asking that âeveryone keep his family and loved ones in your prayers.â
Charlie Kirkâs Family: A Wife And Two Young Children Left Behind
Kirk is survived by his wife, Erika Kirk, and their two children: a daughter who turned 3 in August and a son who celebrated his first birthday in May. While the couple often shared glimpses of their family life on social media, they chose not to reveal their childrenâs names or faces.
On Wednesday, hours before the shooting, Erika posted a verse from scripture: âPsalm 46:1 â God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.â She has not issued a public statement since her husbandâs death.
Erika Kirkâs Emotional Video Tribute To Her Husband Resurfaces
Erika, born Erika Frantzve, is a former Miss Arizona USA and collegiate basketball player. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in Biblical studies at Liberty University and runs multiple faith-based ventures, including Proclaim, a clothing line, and the Midweek Rise Up podcast.
She met Charlie in New York City seven years ago, recalling in a 2023 Instagram post that after a long conversation about theology and politics, âyou paused, looked at me and said, âIâm going to date you.ââ They married in Arizona on May 8, 2021.
The couple frequently discussed their marriage and faith, including in an April episode of “The Charlie Kirk Show.” âKeep your faith, obviously first,â Charlie said. Erika added, âYou have to continually invest in the confidence in one another, that youâre on the same team. You support each other. You love each other.â
Following his death, Erikaâs February 2025 Instagram video celebrating her husband resurfaced. She captioned it, ââ¦thank you for being my love story.â Charlie replied at the time: âMy favourite,â with a red heart emoji.
After Kirk’s death, the video was reshared by a user on X with the comment, “Sobbing watching this video from Charlie Kirk’s wife. She captioned it ‘thank you for being my love story’.”
One user tagged Erika in the comments, offering words of comfort, saying, “Your loss is unfathomable. Please know this country loves you, is with you, and we will never forget the beautiful man Charlie was.”
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