The producers of The Charlie Kirk Show opened their first broadcast since the tragic death of Charlie Kirk with an emotional tribute. Charlie Kirk, 31, was shot and killed on Wednesday during an event at Utah Valley University. He was the co-founder of Turning Point USA and a strong supporter of former President Donald Trump.
Andrew Kolvet, the executive producer, stepped in to host the program on Real America’s Voice. His voice broke as he announced he was filling in for the “one and only Charlie Kirk.”
“We wanted so badly to do this show for all of you today, and I wanted the friends of this show and of Charlie that knew him best… to be here in the studio to commemorate our friend, our dear brother, for this sacred and solemn moment. This occasion that none of us ever dreamed we would have to do,” Kolvet said.
We’re going live this morning on The Charlie Kirk Show to remember our friend. Jack, Tyler, Blake, and I are in his studio.
His chair will remain empty. pic.twitter.com/PSAqXzyLFz
— Andrew Kolvet (@AndrewKsway) September 12, 2025
He added, “And here we are, because Charlie would want us to be here. He would be upset if we weren’t here.”
An Empty Chair in the Studio
Kolvet noted that Kirk’s usual chair was left empty. “Nobody will ever fill it. Nobody could ever hope to,” he said.
He told viewers that Kirk’s legacy would inspire them to push forward. “By all of us together, we want to honor him, and we want to be more like him. And we want to be inspired by him. And we want you, in the audience, to know him like we knew him and to be up close and personal, front row seat, to history, to a legend, to an American icon that we got every single day,” Kolvet said.
JUST IN: The Charlie Kirk Show has gone live. Charlie’s seat at the table is there – and it’s empty.
An absolutely crushing scene. All of them are holding back tears.
“Charlie would’ve wanted us to be here. He would’ve been upset if we weren’t here. We’ve left his chair open… pic.twitter.com/n1gzb5HNt7
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) September 12, 2025
Kolvet shared how the staff felt fortunate to work with Kirk. “We got yelled at by him. We got pushed to more and to be better because of Charlie, and by Charlie,” he recalled.
Suspect Arrested After Two-Day Manhunt
On Friday, Utah officials announced that police had arrested the suspect in Kirk’s killing. The arrest came after a nearly two-day manhunt.
Authorities identified the suspect as Tyler Robinson, 22. He was arrested Thursday night, about 250 miles from Utah Valley University, where Kirk was shot.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox explained how Robinson came into custody. According to Cox, a family member of Robinson confided in a family friend after the shooting. The friend then contacted a sheriff’s office. Officers were told that Robinson had either confessed or hinted that he was the one who killed Kirk.
Charges Against the Suspect
Robinson now faces serious charges. According to court documents, he was booked on suspicion of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious injury, and obstruction of justice.
Officials did not share details about a possible motive. Cox said they are still investigating.
ALSO READ: Charlie Kirk Assassination: FBI Makes Mugshots of Suspect Tyler Robinson Public
Kirk’s killing quickly sparked political reactions. Some right-wing leaders and Trump himself have suggested the “radical left” could be linked to the violence. However, investigators have not confirmed any such connection.
Remembering Charlie Kirk
Charlie Kirk’s sudden death has left a void in the conservative movement. He was widely recognized for his work with Turning Point USA, a youth-focused conservative group. To his supporters, he was more than a political voice—he was a mentor, an icon, and a friend.
Kolvet summed it up during the tribute: “Nobody will ever fill it. Nobody could ever hope to.”
