Charlie Kirk during a speech in January. AFP Yonhap News

Charlie Kirk, 31, an emblematic figure of the American conservative youth movement, was shot and killed during a speech at Utah Valley University on the evening of the 10th local time.

This news was reported on the morning of September 11th, Korean time. He was transported to the hospital after sustaining a gunshot wound to the neck, but ultimately passed away.

Local police are investigating the incident as a possible political assassination. While initial reports indicated an arrest, the individual was later identified as unrelated, and the actual perpetrator has not yet been identified.

Charlie Kirk founded the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA in 2012 at the young age of 18, spreading values of free markets, small government, and personal responsibility on college campuses, and rose to become a next-generation leader for the conservative movement.

He was a key ally of former President Trump and a vanguard in expanding support among young people, also actively working as a media influencer through podcasts and broadcasts.

His statements often sparked controversy.

Shortly after the 2020 presidential election, he defended allegations of election fraud, stating, "We never give up. The election was stolen." During campus lectures, he passionately declared, "Campuses are progressive indoctrination factories. We must re-teach the truth about free markets and small government."

During the COVID-19 pandemic, he strongly criticized containment measures, saying, "The government is taking away our freedom under the pretext of a pandemic," and praised Trump, saying, "He is not just a politician, but the spark of the conservative revolution."

Notably, just a few days ago, on September 5th-6th (Korean time), he attended the 'Build Up Korea 2025' event held at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, and met directly with Korean youth.

In his speech at the time, he delivered the message "Act and Listen," emphasizing the importance for conservative political activists to listen to the voices of others.

He also stressed that "free discussion is the most powerful tool to persuade the younger generation," advising that freedom of expression needs to be expanded in Korea as well. This marked his last public speech delivered on a Korean stage.

President Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., also attended and spoke at the 2024 event.

News of his death sent shockwaves through American society.

President Donald Trump stated, "The great and legendary Charlie Kirk has passed away. He understood the hearts of American youth better than anyone," and added, "Melania and I extend our deepest condolences to his family." Trump subsequently ordered flags to be flown at half-staff across the United States.

The American political spectrum unanimously condemned political violence.

Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune declared, "Political violence cannot be tolerated under any circumstances," and Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries concurred, stating, "It can never be justified." Former President Joe Biden said, "Violence has no place in our society," and offered prayers. Former President Obama and former Vice President Kamala Harris also criticized the act as an attack on democracy. Vice President JD Vance mourned, "He was truly a good man and a young father."

Condolences also poured in from the international community. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated, "The loss of a figure who championed freedom of expression is a great blow," and British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized, "Political violence has no place in democracy."

Charlie Kirk's sudden death is poised to be remembered not just as a personal tragedy, but as a symbolic event marking a generational shift in the American conservative movement and international political conflicts.

His message of freedom and listening, preached in Korea, ironically remains as his last legacy, preceding the tragedy wrought by political violence.

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