Albuquerque, NM — Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot Wednesday during a live event at Utah Valley University. The 31-year-old was speaking as part of his “American Comeback” tour when a single gunshot rang out during a Q&A session focused on gun violence and mass shootings.
Kirk had just responded to a question about the number of mass shootings in America when the shooting occurred. Authorities have not confirmed whether a suspect is in custody, and the investigation remains ongoing. The FBI has issued a public appeal for information.
Kirk’s death comes amid growing concern over political violence in the United States. In New Mexico, failed GOP candidate Solomon Peña was sentenced last month to 80 years in prison for orchestrating shootings at the homes of political rivals.
Just weeks before the shooting, Kirk visited Albuquerque, speaking at Legacy Church’s Central Campus in early August. The event drew thousands and featured discussions on immigration, Christianity, Native American property rights, and crime. His visit sparked both support and protest, reflecting the polarizing nature of his activism.
Leaders across New Mexico expressed bipartisan outrage following Kirk’s death.
- Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham called the shooting “tragic and grossly un-American,” adding, “While we may disagree politically, violence is never the answer.”
- Senate Minority Leader William Sharer, R-Farmington, said Kirk was “executed” for exercising free speech. “Our republic cannot function without healthy political debate,” he said.
- Attorney General Raúl Torrez condemned the killing, stating, “Our democracy demands that we unite against our nation’s rising tide of political violence.”
- U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández, D-N.M., said the news was “heartbreaking,” especially in light of another school shooting in Colorado the same day.
- New Mexico GOP Chairwoman Amy Barela called Kirk’s death “an act of cowardice,” urging Americans to honor his memory by “choosing to reach across the aisle.”
Kirk is survived by his wife, podcaster Erika Frantzve, and their two young children.
