Senior U.S. officials have marked one year since the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, remembering the founder of Turning Point USA as a prominent voice for faith, freedom and America.
Kirk was fatally shot on September 10, 2025, while speaking at a Turning Point USA campus event at Utah Valley University in Utah. A rooftop gunman opened fire during the event, killing the conservative activist and triggering widespread mourning among his supporters and political allies.
On the first anniversary of his death, the White House described Kirk as a “fearless patriot” and “a champion for freedom and for our country,” saying his courage and commitment had left a lasting mark on the United States. “Charlie Kirk changed the course of American history,” the White House said, adding that his “courage, conviction, and love of country will never be forgotten.”
U.S Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also paid tribute to Kirk, highlighting his faith and the influence he believed the activist had on a generation of Americans. Hegseth said that Kirk’s “courage, conviction, and unwavering faith” had left a “generational impact” and contributed to what he described as a spiritual revival within the United States. He also expressed confidence in Kirk’s Christian faith, saying, “We will never forget Charlie, but take great refuge in the fact that he is with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
U.S Secretary of State Marco Rubio focused on Kirk’s ability to communicate conservative values, particularly his emphasis on family, faith and the United States. Rubio said that Kirk “had a unique gift for articulating the good — the goodness of family, faith, and America.”
He noted that Kirk was killed for those convictions and said his legacy should be honoured through continued efforts to build what he described as great things while holding accountable the “enemies of civilization.”
U.S Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who described Kirk as his friend, said the activist’s life had been defined by “conviction, courage, and an abiding love of country.” According to Bessent, Kirk inspired a generation of Americans to participate in efforts to preserve the nation’s founding principles of faith and freedom. He called for his memory to be honoured by continuing the causes to which Kirk devoted his life.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton similarly remembered Kirk as a strong advocate for faith and freedom, saying America had lost a “fearless voice” one year ago. Paxton said that Kirk stood “boldly for truth” and inspired others to do the same. Describing Kirk as a friend, Paxton said he would honour his memory by “never backing down” and offered his prayers to Kirk’s wife, Erika Kirk, and the wider Kirk family.
The tributes come as Kirk’s supporters prepare to gather at the location where he was killed to commemorate his life and legacy.
Trump Remembers Kirk At Republican Convention
President Donald Trump acknowledged the first anniversary of Kirk’s death during an address at the Republican Party’s first-ever midterm convention on Wednesday night, where attendees broke into chants of “Charlie! Charlie!” in honour of the slain activist.
Trump reflected on the reaction to Kirk’s killing, arguing that the response from some Americans was itself shocking. “What shocked millions of Americans was not only the fact that Charlie was murdered, as bad as it was, but also how many people made an excuse for it or cheered for it,” Trump said.
The U.S President also singled out Erika Kirk, who was seated alongside Bessent during the convention. His remarks added a political dimension to the anniversary, coming as Republican leaders and supporters gathered to prepare for the upcoming midterm elections while remembering one of the movement’s most prominent young conservative figures.
Kirk’s political influence had extended well beyond his role as the founder of Turning Point USA, which became a major organisation mobilising young conservative Americans. His death subsequently turned him into a symbol for many of his supporters, who have continued to invoke his message and political activism.
Turning Point USA is returning to Utah Valley University on Thursday for a memorial event marking the anniversary of Kirk’s death. The university has shut down its campus for the event, as supporters gather at the site where the shooting occurred.
Meanwhile, the suspect in Kirk’s killing is being tried in Utah on aggravated murder and other charges.
From the White House to senior Cabinet officials and Republican leaders, the tributes have consistently highlighted Kirk’s commitment to faith, freedom and conservative political engagement. One year after his death, his supporters are seeking to keep those themes at the centre of the movement he helped build.
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