Turning Point USA, founded by Charlie Kirk, built a vast campus network promoting conservative ideas. [Photo Source: AP Photo]
Turning Point USA, the right-wing student organisation founded by Charlie Kirk, is facing its toughest moment after the death of its leader. Charlie Kirk, 31, was shot on September 10 during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem. A sniper’s bullet struck him in the neck while he was answering audience questions about gun violence. He was rushed to the hospital but did not survive.
He leaves behind his wife Erika and two young children. Law enforcement is still searching for the gunman. In a statement, TPUSA said, “May he be received into the merciful arms of our loving Saviour, who suffered and died for Charlie. We ask that everyone keep their family and loved ones in their prayers.”
Kirk founded Turning Point USA in 2012 at the age of 18. He was a Chicago native, a college dropout, and a Ronald Reagan admirer. The late Bill Montgomery, a Tea Party-backed candidate and entrepreneur, encouraged him to launch the group.
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On its website, TPUSA says its mission is to “identify, educate, train, and organise students to promote freedom.” In practice, that has meant bringing conservative ideas into schools and colleges, which many on the Right see as dominated by progressive thinking.
When Barack Obama’s second term was ending, TPUSA found momentum as Donald Trump rose to power. Although Kirk initially leaned toward Texas Senator Ted Cruz, he eventually became one of Trump’s most visible allies.
Charlie Kirk made many appearances on conservative media, sparking debates on issues such as gun control, LGBTQ+ rights, abortion, and transgender rights. He became a culture fighter for young Republicans because of his combative demeanour.
Today, TPUSA has a presence in all 50 states, with more than 850 chapters on college campuses and 3,500 institutions overall. The group hosts conferences, rallies, and training events for young conservatives.
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It is also known for creating controversial projects such as the Professor Watchlist (2016) and School Board Watchlist (2021). These sites target educators and boards accused of silencing or discriminating against conservative students.
TPUSA continues to be funded by conservative donors and organises six national summits and eight regional events each year.
TPUSA has expanded into a number of branches. Turning Point Faith places more emphasis on religion than Turning Point Action does on voting, while Turning Point UK brings the movement abroad, and Turning Point Endowment oversees charity endeavours.
Podcasts have become a core part of its outreach. Kirk hosted The Charlie Kirk Show, while Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark brings lifestyle and wellness content to conservative audiences.
The group has also hosted large gatherings, including this summer’s Young Women’s Leadership Summit in Texas. At that event, Kirk and his wife Erika encouraged thousands of young women to consider faith and family before careers.
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Kirk’s influence went beyond student politics. In September last year, the President of the United States attended a TPUSA gathering in Arizona, showing how far the group’s reach had grown. Following Kirk’s death, the president announced he would award him the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously.
The Utah shooting has now turned attention back to the risks faced by public figures in polarized times. A TPUSA event, meant to spark debate and engage students, instead became the scene of tragedy.
The question now is how the organisation will carry forward Kirk’s legacy without its founder at the helm.
