SPOKANE, Wash. — Charlie Kirk, the founder of conservative activist group Turning Point USA, has died, leaving student leaders across the nation grappling with the loss of a figure who built a large conservative youth movement.
Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA 13 years ago with the goal of creating a conservative movement of young activists. The organization has since exploded to become a large conservative youth activist movement that closely resonates with many students. The organization reports having 250,000 student members spread across thousands of high school and college campuses nationwide.
Student leaders at local chapters say they are still processing the news of Kirk’s death.
“They looked up to him for being bold and, daring to share his idea. The man who decided to speak out. And I think that was a special thing. And and many people that that was personal to them. So I think that was it was very shocking. It didn’t feel real, still doesn’t feel real. And, it’s a very, very sad thing,” said Shea Thompson, president of Gonzaga University’s Turning Point USA chapter.
Thompson met Kirk just a few weeks ago at an event in Florida and was interviewed for Kirk’s YouTube channel. While he might not have known Kirk personally, sometimes it felt like it.
“It felt like Charlie Kirk stood for many things that many of us hold dear to our hearts, whether that’s Christianity, whether that is the freedom of speech or the freedom to disagree,” Thompson said.
Thompson says that while he did not agree with all of what Kirk had to say, the fact Kirk was willing to share his views is what made him honorable.
“He started every single one of his, his big, events like that by saying one thing: ‘If you disagree with me, please come forward,'” Thompson said.
Kirk’s ideology spread quickly as students felt a special connection to the activist leader.
Bree Polluck, president of the Whitworth University Turning Point chapter, said the organization provides an important outlet for conservative students.
“Lots of conservative students don’t feel safe making their voice known. So a turning point to me is an opportunity for students to come together,” Polluck said.
She said Kirk’s death came as a shock that made her feel worried.
“What does this mean for our chapter at Whitworth? What does this mean for Turning point in general and obviously for our country?” Polluck said.
While she found it terrifying to see someone she looks up to die in such a horrific way, Polluck said Kirk died doing what he stood for.
“Which was not be afraid to stand up for truth, no matter what life throws at you and what other people try to do to you,” she said.
Turning Point USA said in a social media post that although Charlie is gone, his legacy will endure.
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