Frank Turek recalls Charlie Kirk’s final moments as he was rushed to an SUV after being shot
GLENDALE, ARIZONA: Charlie Kirk’s mentor Frank Turek revealed the harrowing final moments after the conservative activist was fatally shot on September 10. Speaking before thousands gathered in Arizona for the Charlie Kirk memorial, Turek described how he rushed toward Kirk as security swept him into an SUV.
“When the shot rang out, I took a step toward him, but his security team was on him immediately,” Turek said. “Charlie was like a son to me. I ran toward the SUV with the team. No father would stand back and just let his son go.”
Frank Turek describes the scene inside the SUV after the shooting
Turek recounted the desperate efforts of Kirk’s security detail as they tried to keep him alive.
“Justin was driving, Dan was in the front with the GPS, Rick was to my left holding Charlie’s head,” he recalled. “Charlie was so tall we couldn’t even shut the door. I was perched over the back seat as they administered first aid.”
Despite attempts, Charlie Kirk could not be saved
“His face was looking at mine, but he wasn’t looking at me,” Turek said. “He was looking past me, right into eternity. We did everything we could, but Charlie was already gone.”
Frank Turek's tribute to Charlie Kirk
Reflecting on his relationship with Kirk, Turek recalled how the activist had sought him out for mentorship in Christian apologetics. “It’s hard to mentor someone smarter than you,” he said. “The only thing that surpassed Charlie’s intellect was his humility.”
He reassured mourners that Kirk did not suffer. “I learned later that Charlie felt no pain. He died instantly. Charlie is in heaven right now.”
Thousands gather in Arizona for Charlie Kirk's memorial
Thousands filled State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Sunday for the public memorial and funeral of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, with many lining up before dawn.
Security matched Super Bowl levels as President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and five Cabinet members prepared to address mourners. “It’s going to be a tough day,” Trump said before leaving the White House. “We’re going to celebrate the life of a great man today.”
Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA and a close Trump ally, was killed earlier this month while speaking at Utah Valley University. His death prompted national outrage and tributes from top officials.
Vance personally accompanied Kirk’s coffin aboard Air Force Two back to Arizona, where he lived with his wife, Erika, and their two children.
Turning Point USA encouraged attendees to wear their “Sunday Best” in red, white, or blue. Trump, Vance, and other senior administration figures, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, led the tributes.
