Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and close political ally of President Donald Trump was shot and killed at an event at Utah Valley University Wednesday, Sept. 10, in front of thousands of students and onlookers.
Kirk was no stranger to Florida. He owns a condo on Longboat Key and started his “American Comeback Tour” at the University of South Florida in Tampa in February before heading to the University of Florida in Gainesville and then Florida State University in Tallahassee.
➤ Live updates: Charlie Kirk shot, killed in Utah. Manhunt for killer continues
Who was Charlie Kirk?
Illinois native Charles James Kirk, 31, cofounded the nonprofit Turning Point USA in 2012 when he was 18. The organization’s stated goal is to “build the most organized, active, and powerful conservative grassroots activist network on high school and college campuses across the country.”
Kirk toured campuses across the United States, debating students who challenged him at an open mic.
See Charlie Kirk on Florida campuses.
Charlie Kirk at University of Florida
The Turning Point USA co-founder debated with students for about three hours on the University of Florida campus in February about current events like immigration, DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) initiatives, LGBTQ+ rights and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
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Charlie Kirk at Florida State University
Some students at FSU protest Charlie Kirk’s presence, chant ‘infitada, revolution’
Charlie Kirk at University of South Florida
Charlie Kirk no stranger to Palm Beach County
Kirk frequently brought thousands of young Republicans to West Palm Beach and became a fixture at President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate.
➤ Turning Point USA chief Charlie Kirk a fixture at West Palm Beach summits
Palm Beach County Republicans — who for years hosted Kirk’s Turning Point USA summits at the county convention center and celebrated with him during Trump’s Election Night watch party — reacted with disbelief to news of his assassination.
Charlie Kirk offers advice to Vero Beach high school students
Kirk’s history in Florida goes back several years.
In 2017, he spoke to Vero Beach high school students, advising them to read all sides on issues. “Challenge your opinion,” he said.
Ron DeSantis, other Florida officials react to news of Charlie Kirk’s death
“A lot of people in Florida have known Charlie through the years, Casey and I have known him for over a decade, and he’s somebody that a lot of people have a great regard for, he’s done a lot,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said at an appearance in Miami before news of Kirk’s death.
➤ Florida leaders react to shooting death of Charlie Kirk, who visited FSU, UF in February
“Charlie would go to college campuses and he would articulate views that were very much outside of what most of the professors were offering or what the campus culture was offering, and the way to do that is to ask questions, debate. That’s what the republic is based on.”
Democrats and Republicans alike mourned Kirk, with some denouncing what they called “political violence.“
“He believed in the greatness of America, he believed in the power of conversation, and he fought to make our country a better place,” said U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds.
Donna Shalala, a longtime Democrat, said Kirk’s death “is another terrible reminder that we need to respect to those with whom we disagree.“
Contributing: Jim Rosica, C. A. Bridges, USA Today Network-Florida
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Videos of Charlie Kirk at Florida college campuses. Hear debates