Conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk died Wednesday after he was shot at an event at Utah Valley University. He was 31 years old.
A suspect has not been identified, and state authorities said Wednesday evening a “manhunt” for the shooter is still in progress. Two people who were taken into custody earlier were not tied to the shooting and were later released.
Utah Valley University police said they were going “building to building” to evacuate people. CBS NEWS
Objectives
- Understand verified facts and the context of Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
- Analyze causes, implications, and reactions to political violence.
- Compare historical assassination attempts—successful and unsuccessful—for a deeper understanding.
- Evaluate the role of political rhetoric, media, and polarization in such incidents.
- Reflect on democratic safeguards for public figures, free speech, and societal norms.
Materials
- Charlie Kirk shot and killed at Utah event – CBS News
- A look at the life of Charlie Kirk, who helped build support for Trump among young people, Political
- Who was Charlie Kirk? What we know about the shooting – Al Jazeera
- Manhunt underway after conservative activist Charlie Kirk shot – CNN
- Charlie Kirk assassination: Manhunt continues as Trump calls it ‘dark moment’ – BBC News
Part I: Case Study — Charlie Kirk Assassination (September 2025)
-
Charlie Kirk, age 31, conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder, was shot and killed while addressing an outdoor university event at Utah Valley University.
-
Incident occurred as Kirk spoke at a “Prove Me Wrong” debate, engaging with students on polarizing issues; he was shot in the neck by what authorities believe was a sniper from the roof of a nearby building.
In groups of 3 answer these questions, write down the anwers.
-
What core political and social values does Charlie Kirk promote, and how do they align with or challenge the broader conservative movement in the United States?
-
Turning Point USA emphasizes free speech and limited government. How do these priorities shape its campus activism and outreach to young voters?
-
How does Charlie Kirk use social media and influencer-style communication to engage younger audiences, and what does this say about the future of political activism?
-
Turning Point USA has faced criticism for using polarizing rhetoric. To what extent is this an effective or harmful strategy for influencing public opinion?
-
How do Charlie Kirk’s religious views shape the message and priorities of Turning Point USA, and should religion play a central role in youth political movements?
- The site was attended by over 3,000 people, including Kirk’s family, with heavy security present.
- After the shooting, chaos ensued, classes were canceled, and the campus was evacuated.
- The shooter remains at large; two suspects were briefly detained but released.
- Bipartisan condemnation and calls for national reflection followed, with flags at half-mast and statements from leaders including Trump and Biden.
- Watch the video below and answer the questions below:
Watch the video above and answer the questions below:
- What event sparked the discussion in the video regarding political violence in the U.S.?
- How does Matthew Continetti describe the trend of political violence in America in recent years?
- What are some examples of previous incidents of political violence mentioned in the video?
- According to the video, how has polarization in America evolved beyond traditional political differences?
- What role did Charlie Kirk play in the conservative youth movement, as described in the video?
- How does the video explain the significance of political violence occurring on college campuses?
- What broader societal concerns does Matthew Continetti raise about the impact of political violence on American democracy?
Part II: Earlier Examples — Shot Political Figures
A. Assassinated Figures (Did Not Survive)
- Abraham Lincoln (1865, US President)
- John F. Kennedy (1963, US President)
- Robert F. Kennedy (1968, US Senator)
- Indira Gandhi (1984, Indian PM)
- Jo Cox (2016, UK MP)
B. Survived Assassination Attempts
- Ronald Reagan (1981, US President) — shot, recovered
- Donald Trump (2024 Rally, US President) — survived an assassination attempt
- Gerald Ford (1975, US President) — two attempts, unharmed
- Jacques Chirac (2002, France) — shooting attempt, unharmed
- Gabrielle Giffords (2011, US Congresswoman) — shot, survived
Classroom Comparison Activity
- In your group choose one figure from each of the lists above.
- Each group chooses one from each list and writes their choices on the whiteboard.
- No group can choose the same.
- Explore background, motive, outcome (death/survival), immediate response, and long-term impact.
- Groups compare their case with the Kirk assassination for lessons and patterns relevant today.
- Present with a poster or slides
Sources for use:
- Politico Magazine
- PBS Political Violence.
- BBC: Killing of Trump ally lays bare America’s bloody and broken politics
- Reuters: Nation on edge: Experts warn of “vicious spiral” in political violence after Kirk killing
Part III: Discussion and Analysis
1. Exploring Connections Between Political Climate, Rhetoric, and Violence
Objective:
-
Understand how political rhetoric, especially divisive or violent language, may influence the likelihood or support for political violence.
Discussion Points:
- What is political rhetoric? Consider both the language and tone used by political figures and media.
- How can divisive or violent language potentially escalate tensions or normalize harmful behaviors?
- Review examples from recent political events that involved inflammatory rhetoric and subsequent violence.
- Discuss research findings showing that even mild violent metaphors in political speech can increase support for political violence, particularly among certain groups (e.g., young adults, aggressive personalities).
- Reflect on how a polarized political climate can deepen divisions and foster hostility.
2. How Public Reactions and Media Coverage Shape Outcomes and Policy Responses
Objective: Analyze the role of public discourse and media in amplifying or mitigating political violence.
-
Discussion Points:
- How do media outlets cover incidents of political violence and political rhetoric? Consider tone, frequency, and framing.
- Discuss how widespread sharing of incendiary rhetoric through social media and news cycles can normalize extreme viewpoints or escalate conflicts.
- Consider how public outrage or complacency can influence lawmakers’ willingness to enact policies related to political violence, security, and free speech.
- Debate how societal reactions might either encourage or deter future violence.
3. Balancing Security Measures, Political Activism, and Free Speech
Objective: Examine the challenges in protecting democratic freedoms while ensuring safety.
-
Discussion Points:
- What are legitimate security measures that protect individuals and institutions from political violence?
- How can governments and institutions balance security without infringing on civil liberties and free speech rights?
- Discuss the importance of political activism and open debate in a democracy. How can these?
- Debate the risks and benefits of restricting hate speech or violent rhetoric versus preserving freedom of expression.
- Suggest constructive ways political leaders, media, and citizens can foster respectful discourse and civic engagement while reducing violence risk.
Essay Questions for Assessment
-
Analyze how political polarization and public rhetoric may contribute to incidents of violence against prominent figures, referencing the assassination of Charlie Kirk and historical examples of both fatal and non-fatal attempts. What patterns can be seen across cases, and how should democracies respond?
-
Discuss the ethical and legal challenges societies face when balancing free speech with the protection of public figures from violent threats at public events. How should policymakers, event organizers, and media outlets address these challenges in light of both recent and historical shootings?
-
Evaluate the role of media reporting—accurate or otherwise—on public perceptions and policy responses following high-profile assassination attempts. Should stricter protocols be introduced for early reporting, and what are the potential consequences for democratic discourse and security?