Charlie Kirk would’ve been celebrating his 33rd birthday Wednesday, as the White House called him a “Christian martyr” and a “titan” in a tribute online.
“Today, on what would have been his 33rd birthday, our Nation honors the loving memory of Charlie Kirk – a father, husband, Christian martyr, & titan of the conservative movement,” the White House said on X. “We renew our resolve to always defend our principles of truth, faith, & the open exchange of ideas.”
The conservative activist was assassinated while visiting Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, 2025. Then 31 years old, Kirk was responding to a question about mass shootings when he was shot in the neck, with graphic videos of the assassination circulating online shortly after.
The suspect, identified as Tyler Robinson, was detained following a 33-hour manhunt after his parents recognized him from surveillance footage broadcast in the media and persuaded him to turn himself in. Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray described the shooting as a politically motivated act of violence carried out in front of children and hundreds of live spectators. Evidence leading up to the assassination showed Robinson’s left-leaning political views and disdain toward Kirk.
Robinson was charged with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, two counts of obstruction of justice, two counts of witness tampering, and committing a violent offense in the presence of a child. He faces a potential death penalty if convicted, as his lawyers fight against it.
CHARLIE KIRK’S FAMILY ONE STEP CLOSER TO LAWSUIT AGAINST UTAH AND UNIVERSITY WHERE HE WAS KILLED
Kirk’s wife, Erika Kirk, made her first public speech since his death two days afterward. Since then, the widowed mother of two took over as CEO and chair of the board of Turning Point USA, assuming the position her husband once held. Kirk and Erika had two children, a son and a daughter, at the time he was killed.
Speculation and conspiracy theories have plagued Kirk’s death, fueled even by public figures such as Candace Owens, a longtime friend of Kirk, who has been outspoken about her belief that his death was orchestrated in an elaborate plot. Owens and Erika have found themselves at odds with each other since the activist’s death.