September 12, 2025

A terrible shock hit Utah Valley University when Charlie Kirk, a well-known right-wing political commentator, was shot and killed on September 10. Kirk, just 31, was answering a question about gun violence when suddenly a bullet hit him in the neck or side of his head. This tragic moment was caught on videos shared on social media. Charlie was not alone at the time. His wife Erika Frantzve and their two little children were with him, adding a painful layer to the incident. Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin asked everyone to "Pray for [Kirk] his wife Erika, their two children, and all who were present at Utah Valley University," on Twitter. The shooting happened around 12:20 p.m. local time during a student Q&A session at the campus in Orem, Utah. Utah Valley University confirmed that "There was a single shot fired from the top of a nearby building about 200 yards away." Charlie Kirk was more than a commentator; he was the founder and executive director of Turning Point USA, a conservative group active on college campuses. Known for his popular podcast, The Charlie Kirk Show, he was a vocal supporter of former US President Donald Trump. The news of his death was even announced by Trump himself, shaking the political world. A bit about Charlie’s personal life: He married Erika Frantzve in May 2021. Erika, a former Miss Arizona USA 2012, and Charlie met in 2018 and quickly clicked after a "very, very long dinner," as Charlie once said in a Turning Point USA video. By August 2022, they became parents to a daughter, and in May 2024, they welcomed a son. Despite being a public figure, Charlie kept his children’s identities private, saying, "We have a girl and a boy and it’s no ones business what their names are or their faces." Erika is no stranger to the spotlight herself. Besides her pageant crown, she played college basketball and earned degrees in political science and international relations. She also hosts a podcast called Midweek Rise Up and leads a faith-based apparel brand named PROCLAIM. Together, Erika and Charlie worked closely on Turning Point USA events and ministry programs. This heartbreaking event has left many in mourning, sparking conversations on campus safety and gun violence. Charlie Kirk’s death is a stark reminder of how quickly life can change, even in the middle of a discussion about change.

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Tags: Charlie kirk, Utah valley university, Shooting, Erika frantzve, Turning point usa, Trump ally,