Trump Honors Charlie Kirk at RNC One Year After Assassination

At the Republican National Committee’s midterm convention in Dallas, President Donald Trump commemorated Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk on Sept. 9, 2026, on the eve of the one-year anniversary of Kirk’s killing at Utah Valley University. Trump called Kirk a close friend and prominent conservative voice, accused the political left of excusing or celebrating the assassination, and urged Republicans to defeat Democrats in the next election. Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, received a standing ovation and led chants of “Charlie”; she has since taken a leadership role at Turning Point USA. Supporters credited Kirk, who was 31, with mobilizing young people around conservative and religious causes, while tributes also emphasized his family’s grief and broader debates over political violence and free speech. Tyler Robinson is accused of the shooting and is expected to face trial on charges related to the killing.