Charlie Kirk shot at UVU, died, prompting condemnation

Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10 and later died of his injuries, a killing that has provoked nationwide condemnation, a sprawling memorial, and renewed debate over political rhetoric and violence in the United States. Authorities arrested 22 year old Tyler Robinson in connection with the killing, but investigators have not publicly confirmed a motive; some attendees and commentators have described the attack as tied to Kirk's political views.

Kirk was shot in the neck as he addressed an outdoor campus gathering and was taken from the stage to a hospital, where his organization later announced his death. Turning Point USA said the loss struck at the organization’s mission of engaging young people on college campuses. Since the shooting, the group has reported tens of thousands of inquiries from people interested in launching new chapters, according to its leaders.

On Sept. 21 thousands of mourners filled State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, for a memorial in which Kirk was hailed by some as a martyr for free speech and by others as a polarizing figure. His widow, Erika Kirk,...