Charlie Kirk remembered with moving tribute video at Republican midterm convention

DALLAS, TEXAS: Republicans gathered at the midterm convention on Thursday, September 10, with Charlie Kirk still firmly on their minds, marking one year since the Turning Point USA founder was killed.

A tribute video featuring Kirk’s own words was played during the convention, offering a look back at the impact he had on young conservatives and the movement he helped build.

“Turning Point is not dead,” Lucas Miles, a pastor and Turning Point USA Faith vice president, said during his speech at the convention. “The organization Charlie founded is still growing. A new generation is stepping forward.”

Charlie Kirk remembered on first death anniversary

The tribute came as Republicans marked the first anniversary of Kirk’s death. 

RNC Chairman Joe Gruters released a statement ahead of the second night of the convention, remembering Kirk as a major voice for young people and conservative values.

“Charlie Kirk was a once-in-a-generation leader whose impact on free speech, America’s youth, and our party will never be forgotten,” Gruters said.

He also pointed to the conservative activist's approach to political debate, saying he “boldly and peacefully stood up for our conservative values” and encouraged political debate while inspiring millions.

“Tonight, as our country remembers Charlie, Republicans gather to honor his legacy and carry forward what he built for the conservative movement,” Gruters added. “No one can take Charlie’s place, but we will spend the rest of our lives making sure the movement he built outlives us all.”

Andrew Kolvet recalls Charlie Kirk’s lasting impact in tribute video

The video used Kirk’s own voice to revisit the message he carried to young people.

It also featured Andrew Kolvet, a Turning Point USA spokesman and executive producer of ‘The Charlie Kirk Show’, reflecting on the size of the response following Kirk’s death.

Kolvet recalled walking onto the stage at a TPUSA memorial event held about 10 days after Kirk’s death and seeing a stadium filled with 70,000 people.

“The entire stadium, 70,000 people, that first moment when I turned the corner from backstage, onto the stage, and go, ‘Wow, Charlie, look what you did, man,’” Kolvet said.

“What a remarkable life, 31 years; far, far too young. What a remarkable, remarkable achievement,” he added.

Kolvet also wrote about Kirk’s anniversary and how the two worked together to grow what began as a weekly podcast into a weekday nationally syndicated radio show.

The moving tribute came a day after President Donald Trump remembered Kirk during the convention’s first night, honoring his "great friend" ahead of the anniversary. When the president asked about his widow, Erika Kirk, the crowd rose for a standing ovation before breaking into chants of "Charlie! Charlie! Charlie!"

JD Vance opens up about losing Charlie Kirk

Vice President JD Vance also appeared on ‘The Charlie Kirk Show’ ON Thursday and spoke about the difficulty of accepting that his “dear friend” is gone. “I just really wish I could call Charlie and get his advice on this or get his help on this,” he said.

Vance also said he and his wife, Usha Vance, have remained in close contact with the Turning Point USA founder's widow, Erika, and their children. 

He further spoke about dealing with the loss through prayer and trying to follow Kirk’s example of remaining humble during difficult moments.