Charlie Kirk was an American conservative activist and media personality who founded Turning Point USA in 2012 at age 18. Born October 14, 1993, he was assassinated on September 10, 2025, at age 31, while speaking at Utah Valley University. He was married to Erika Kirk, with whom he had two children. His net worth was estimated at around $12 million at the time of his death.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Charles James Kirk |
| Date of Birth | October 14, 1993 |
| Date of Death | September 10, 2025 (age 31) |
| Birthplace | Arlington Heights, Illinois |
| Profession | Political Activist, Author, Media Host |
| Known For | Founder of Turning Point USA |
| Wife | Erika Kirk (née Frantzve; married 2021) |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Wheeling High School; briefly attended Harper College |
| Estimated Net Worth | ~$12 million (estimate) |
Early Life and Education
Charles James Kirk was born on October 14, 1993, in Arlington Heights, Illinois, a Chicago suburb, to Robert Kirk and Kathryn Smith. He attended Wheeling High School and briefly enrolled at Harper College, a community college, but dropped out after one semester to pursue activism full-time.
Founding Turning Point USA
In 2012, at just 18 years old, Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA (TPUSA) with Bill Montgomery, with early backing from donor Foster Friess. The organization grew into one of the largest conservative youth movements in the United States, with chapters on college campuses nationwide.
Kirk served as TPUSA's executive director and CEO from 2012 until his death in 2025, also launching affiliates Turning Point Action and Turning Point Faith.
Media Career
Kirk hosted The Charlie Kirk Show, a nationally syndicated talk radio program and podcast. He authored several books, including Time for a Turning Point (2016), Campus Battlefield (2018), The MAGA Doctrine (2020), and Right Wing Revolution (2024).
He became known for his campus "Prove Me Wrong" debate events and was a close ally of Donald Trump. In 2018 he was named to the Forbes "30 Under 30" list in Law & Policy.
Wife and Children
Kirk married Erika Frantzve — former Miss Arizona USA 2012 — on May 8, 2021, in Scottsdale, Arizona. The couple had two children: a daughter born in August 2022 and a son born in May 2024, whose names and faces the family kept private.
After his death, Erika Kirk took over as CEO and chair of Turning Point USA.
Assassination and Aftermath
On September 10, 2025, Kirk was shot while speaking at a TPUSA event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, during a Q&A session. He died of his injuries the same day at age 31.
A memorial service was held on September 21, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, attended by an estimated 90,000–100,000 people, including President Trump. Kirk was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2025.
Net Worth
Kirk's net worth was estimated at approximately $12 million at the time of his death, according to Celebrity Net Worth and other outlets. His income came from his TPUSA leadership role, podcast and media revenue, book royalties, and speaking fees. No independently audited figure exists, so this should be treated as an estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Charlie Kirk's wife?
Erika Kirk (née Frantzve), former Miss Arizona USA 2012. They married on May 8, 2021.
How many children did Charlie Kirk have?
Two — a daughter born in 2022 and a son born in 2024.
How did Charlie Kirk die?
He was assassinated by gunshot on September 10, 2025, while speaking at Utah Valley University.
What was Charlie Kirk's net worth?
Approximately $12 million at the time of his death, per published estimates.
What is Turning Point USA?
A conservative youth organization Kirk co-founded in 2012, now one of the largest of its kind in the U.S.