IN FOCUS - Sept. 12, 2025

This week, for the second time in less than 15 years, a high-profile Arizona political figure was targeted for assassination. 

In January 2011, Democratic Congresswoman Gabby Giffords narrowly survived an attempt on her life in Tucson. On Wednesday, Turning Point founder and CEO Charlie Kirk was killed by a shooter while speaking to students at Utah Valley University. He was 31.

Kirk relocated Turning Point USA from Illinois to Arizona in 2018, and quickly grew his organization into one of the most influential forces in American politics. Arguably unmatched is Turning Point’s proximity to President Trump and loyal following that numbers into the millions, especially among young conservatives. After Kirk’s death, every living U.S. president issued remarks, and President Trump ordered flags be flown at half-staff.

In Arizona, Turning Point devotees serve at all levels of Arizona government - from Congress to city council. The organization’s political arm, Turning Point Action, is even currently engaged in typically-overlooked utility races for the SRP governing board.

What comes next for Turning Point is unclear. There isn’t an obvious successor to Kirk, though speculation has already begun. Regardless, Turning Point loyalists say the movement will only grow from here.