Thursday marked one year since Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed while speaking with a student at Utah Valley University in Provo. The anniversary brought a wave of tributes from the White House, members of Congress, cabinet officials and foreign leaders.
The White House posted a tribute video on X, writing, “One year ago, we tragically lost a fearless patriot. A champion for freedom and for our country.” The post continued, “Charlie Kirk changed the course of American history. His courage, conviction, and love of country will never be forgotten.”
Former White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt recalled the moment President Trump learned of Kirk’s death. “I will never forget seeing President Trump’s absolutely devastated reaction when learning the news of his murder while sitting at the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office,” she wrote, adding, “It’s still so hard to believe Charlie is actually gone.” She closed her post with a message for Kirk’s family: “May God continue to bless Charlie’s parents, @MrsErikaKirk, and their beautiful babies.”
In Phoenix, Turning Point Action COO Tyler Bowyer shared images of a newly installed statue of Kirk at Turning Point Headquarters, sculpted by Quintin McCann. “We are blessed to be able to unveil and take a moment of prayer to remember Charlie this morning,” Bowyer wrote, asking supporters to “pray for Erika, his children, his parents and immediate family today.”
Lawmakers and Cabinet Officials Remember Kirk
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) wrote, “One year later, I still miss my friend Charlie. He loved God, loved America, and believed the next generation could be called to faith, freedom, and the Constitution.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson said, “We will never forget his life, his legacy, or his immeasurable impact on America.”
Attorney General Todd Blanche called Kirk’s killing “pure evil,” writing, “Charlie was a fearless advocate for his beliefs, a devoted husband and father, and a man whose faith and love of country inspired millions of Americans. Our thoughts and prayers remain with Erika, their children, and the entire Kirk family.”
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Kirk’s life “was defined by conviction, courage, and an abiding love of country,” and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth wrote that Kirk’s death “ignited a spiritual revival” and that “we will never forget Charlie, but take great refuge in the fact that he is with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX) argued Kirk’s influence made him a target: “The left sadistically celebrates his murder for one reason and one reason only — because he was effective. His success in speaking to a generation was one of the biggest threats to their Marxist revolution.” Gill added, “We owe him more than our grief. We owe him victory.”
Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) wrote, “Hard to believe it’s been a year without my friend Charlie. He was a man of deep faith, conviction, and a profound love for this country.”
International Voices
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described Kirk as “a convinced Christian, a husband, a father, a young man capable of speaking to an entire generation without ever shying away from debate, even with those who thought differently.” She said Kirk “was assassinated precisely while exercising that freedom” and that the way to honor him is “to not let the hatred that tried to silence him prevail.”
Nigel Farage, leader of Britain’s Reform UK party, wrote, “Today marks one year since the horrific murder of my friend Charlie Kirk. It is a painful reminder of the consequences of political violence.” Farage noted Kirk’s fondness for Britain, saying he “always spoke fondly of what he believed was a once great nation that could become great again,” and called him “a remarkable advocate for free speech, his Christian faith, and for Western civilization.”
Personal Reflections
Former Fox News commentator Steve Hilton shared a video of himself with Kirk at a book signing, recalling how Kirk once asked him to speak at California events after losing his voice. “He always said he had ‘a heart for California’ and wanted so much to see us win and turn our beautiful state around,” Hilton wrote. “We will, Charlie. We will.”
Thomas Hern, co-founder of H&F Strategies and a former Turning Point USA national field director, described Kirk waiving a speaking fee to help a client’s conference in Washington, D.C., then joining him at Kavanaugh confirmation protests to debate attendees. “That was our thing,” Hern wrote. “I’ll remember the guy who flew across the country for no fee and always had my back. Rest easy, Charlie. We miss you.”
Conservative activist Riley Gaines said Kirk “believed in me when I wasn’t sure I believed in myself” and “believed the next generation could save America,” adding, “A year later, I’m not filled with anger. I’m hopeful. I’m inspired. And I’m determined not to forget.”
Former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz wrote simply, “I miss him so much,” while Donald Trump Jr. posted, “A year later and I still can’t believe it happened,” asking supporters to “say a prayer for Charlie’s family this week.”
Former White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany wrote that Kirk “quite literally changed the world,” noting he was Google’s top search trend in 2025 and pointing to what she called parallel data showing young people discovering faith. “Charlie changed the world. Charlie is with Jesus Christ,” she wrote.
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