Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed while he was debating students on hot button issues at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, September 10. The suspect has since been found and identified as Tyler Robinson,22,who attended the university for only one semester back in 2021. Charlie had a right-wing brand called turning Point USA, which frequently enough visited universities to ignite heated debates. Charlie also had a podcast called The Charlie Kirk Show, through which he openly shared his controversial political ideologies.
Per the show’s description, the podcast featured an “unapologetically conservative, freedom-loving point of view.” On Sunday, September 14, Vice President JD Vance took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share a surprising announcement. His tweet read: “Tomorrow,I will have the honor of hosting the Charlie Kirk Show. Please join me as I pay tribute to my friend.”
Vance was a friend of Charlie’s since 2017 and he escorted his body onto Air Force Two as it was transferred to Phoenix, Arizona on September 11. His vigil was held at Washington D.C.’s Kennedy Center. When news hit about Charlie’s death, the Vice President posted a lengthy tribute to Charlie on X.
J.D. Vance Mourns Friend and Political Mentor, Charlie Kirk
Ohio Senator J.D. Vance has publicly mourned the loss of Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, emphasizing Kirk’s profound impact on his life and career. Vance shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, detailing Kirk’s unwavering support, even when his own political prospects appeared dim.
According to Vance, Kirk played a pivotal role in introducing him to former President Donald Trump. “I had no reason to do this, no expectation that I’d go anywhere. I was polling, at that point, well below five percent,” Vance wrote. “He did it because we were friends, and because he was a good man.” This introduction proved crucial to Vance’s successful Senate run in 2022, where he defeated Democratic candidate Tim Ryan. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2022-election/ohio-senate-race-jd-vance-tim-ryan-results-rcna86999
Vance’s post highlighted the depth of their relationship,extending beyond the political sphere. He described constant communication, with Kirk regularly checking on his family, offering guidance, and providing prayers. “We [would] celebrate weddings and babies, bust each othre’s chops, and mourn the loss of loved ones. We [would] talk about politics and policy and sports and life,” Vance shared.
Concluding his tribute, Vance expressed his faith that Kirk would continue to advocate for those he cared about, even from beyond. “And now that Charlie is in heaven, I’ll ask him to talk to [the] big man directly on behalf of his family, his friends, and the country he loved so dearly. You ran a good race, my friend. We’ve got it from here.”
Charlie Kirk founded Turning Point USA in 2012, an organization dedicated to identifying, educating, and organizing young people to promote freedom. https://www.turningpointusa.net/about/ He has become a prominent figure in conservative media and activism,known for his outspoken views and efforts to mobilize young voters.