The Journal. The Killing of Charlie Kirk and the Rise of Political Violence
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Sep 11, 2025 
Aaron Zitner, a WSJ reporter covering national politics, delves into the shocking murder of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, who rose rapidly in political circles. He discusses Kirk's founding of Turning Point USA and its evolution, revealing how political ideologies have shifted. Zitner highlights the alarming rise of political violence in the U.S., tracing its impact on civil discourse and safety. The conversation reflects on the growing divide between Democrats and Republicans and the challenges faced by public figures today.
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Campus Debates Built His Brand
- Charlie Kirk built his brand by debating students directly on college campuses with the slogan "Prove me wrong."
- He used live campus confrontations and social videos to grow a national following over a decade.
From Commentator To Movement Builder
- Kirk evolved from a commentator into an organizer who built Turning Point USA into a major campus force.
- He expanded into media, church networks, and electioneering to amplify conservative influence.
Scale Turned Outreach Into Political Power
- Turning Point USA spent heavily and claimed chapters at over a thousand campuses, signaling scale and reach.
- That infrastructure helped translate youth outreach into tangible political influence in 2024.