The assassination of Charlie Kirk in an apparent attempt to silence his views has backfired, with 18,000 chapter requests for his organization in less than 24 hours.
Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University by alleged shooter Tyler Robinson on September 10.
Following the murder, his wife Erika spoke for the first time, appearing emotional but determined when promising her husband’s mission would continue to grow larger and more influential than ever.
According to Fox News, Kirk’s organization, Turning Point USA, received 18,000 requests from chapters to start branches at schools and universities following Erika’s 17-minute speech.
A screenshot was shared to X by Minnesota State Representative Eliott Engen of a conversation with a leader of the organization, revealing the staggering number of submissions.
Before Erika’s address, the association had 1,100 high school chapters and 9,000 college chapters, according to a report by Turning Point USA.
Requests to start a chapter are submitted through the organization’s website. Students, non-students, and members of faith fill out a form describing themselves and how they would like to get involved, which includes several different ways depending on how the user defines themselves.
But her promise has sparked an apparently instant growth: ‘Charlie, I promise I will never let your legacy die, baby,’ she said. ‘I promise I’ll make Turning Point USA the biggest thing that this nation has ever seen.’
The non-profit organization was founded in 2012 by Charlie, and its mission, according to its website, is to ‘Identify, educate, train, and organize students to promote the principles of fiscal responsibility, free markets, and limited government.’
Erika Kirk spoke for the first time promising her husband’s mission would continue to grow larger and more influential than ever after he was assassinated
A vigil held in Huntington Beach mourners gather to pay tribute to Charlie
Alongside the request are millions of dollars in donations for Erika and her two children.
The outlet reported that nearly $3 million has been raised on GiveSendGo to support the family.
The co-founder and co-CEO Heather Wilson told the platform: ‘Within hours of Charlie’s tragic death, friends and supporters had set up a campaign. The fact that it took off so quickly shows just how deeply his life impacted people and how urgent the desire was to support his family.’
Vigils have been held across the US and in England and Australia.
Mourners in England joined together to pay tribute to Kirk, with the British branch of the organization organizing the vigil on September 12.
Turning Point UK CEO Jack Ross said: ‘I know Charlie would have been incredibly touched by your presence.’
‘I would like to also thank members of the United States law enforcement who have successfully apprehended Charlie’s murderer.’
Charlie died at the age of 31 after being shot in the neck during his American Comeback Tour, while his wife and children watched
A vigil in Provo, Utah, holding candles and wearing patriotic clothing
A memorial service is set for September 21 at the Arizona Cardinals’ State Farm football stadium, with President Donald Trump promising to attend
‘Whilst justice won’t bring Charlie back, I hope it will help ease his family’s pain. We ask that the law show Tyler Robinson no mercy.’
‘Charlie was a good Christian man, and his passion came from his desire to help people.’
On the same day, Erika was flying on Air Force Two with Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha, transporting Charlie’s body back from Utah to their home state, Arizona.
Erika was guided by Usha, both dressed in black, as Usha walked her down the stairs with her arm around the grieving mother.
National guard members carried Charlie’s mahogany coffin into and off the plane.
A memorial service is set for September 21 at the Arizona Cardinals’ State Farm football stadium, with President Donald Trump promising to attend.
Charlie died at the age of 31 after being shot in the neck during his American Comeback Tour, while his wife and children watched.
The shooter, Robinson, was turned in by his father and was arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder, obstruction of justice and felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily harm.
