In a tragic turn of events, Charlie Kirk, known for his outspoken views, was assassinated during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University on September 10. The alleged shooter, Tyler Robinson, targeted Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, with the apparent aim of silencing him. However, the aftermath has seen an unexpected surge in support for his organization, with 18,000 new chapter requests pouring in within just a day.

In the wake of this tragedy, Kirk’s widow, Erika, addressed the public for the first time. Despite her evident grief, she delivered a powerful message, vowing that her late husband’s mission would not only endure but also expand its influence. Fox News reported that, following Erika’s moving 17-minute speech, Turning Point USA experienced an unprecedented surge in interest from schools and universities eager to establish new chapters.

Minnesota State Representative Eliott Engen shared a screenshot on X, illustrating a conversation with a Turning Point USA leader who confirmed the overwhelming number of chapter requests. Prior to Erika’s heartfelt address, the organization had already established 1,100 chapters in high schools and 9,000 in colleges, as detailed in Turning Point USA’s reports.

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.’ 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.’ ‘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 servic e 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.