Wheeling High School graduate Charlie Kirk, who rose from leading a youth-oriented conservative group to becoming a major far-right figure close to President Donald Trump, was shot in his neck and killed at Utah Valley University Wednesday.
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Charlie Kirk, conservative activist, suburban native and Trump ally, dead after being shot at event in Utah
Kirk was a close ally of President Donald Trump and the founder of Turning Point USA, a conservative nonprofit organization that focuses on high schools and colleges. He spoke at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee last year.
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By Mary Norkol
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Who was Charlie Kirk? Kirk grew up in the northwest suburbs, rising from a suburban high school student to a major force in the national polarizing culture wars. He was 31.
He was the founder and president of Turning Point USA, a national organization focused on recruiting students to support conservative candidates and causes. Turning Point has other related entities.
Kirk’s LinkedIn profile states he delivered the commencement address at his 2012 Wheeling graduation ceremony. His profile also says he was on the high school basketball team and an Eagle Scout.
What’s Turning Point USA?Kirk’s main career had been with Turning Point USA, which put him on the path to becoming a national political star. He spoke in a prime-time slot at the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
Kirk was considered one of the most influential figures in the nation when it came to dealing with bringing younger people into conservative politics. He treled extensively, visiting high school and college campuses. He was shot while at the first stop of his “American Comeback Tour.”
Kirk created and presided over a substantial political operation. According to 2024 IRS records, Turning Point had revenue of $84.9 million and expenses of $80.9 million. He was also an author and the host of Salem News Channel’s “The Charlie Kirk Show.”
RNC 2024
Suburban native, far-right conservative talk show host Charlie Kirk speaks at RNC
The 30-year-old Wheeling High School grad founded Turning Point USA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting conservative values on high school and college campuses.
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By Mitchell Armentrout
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