1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites
In focus
IranUkraineHantavirus
Latest audioLatest videos
Live TV
A picture of Charlie Kirk rests against a fence surrounded by candles with Jesus Christ labels, American flags and flowers outside the headquarters of the Turning Point USA headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona
Image: Ross D. Franklin/AP Photo/picture alliance

Charlie Kirk

Charlie Kirk was a Donald Trump ally and a key political activist in the MAGA movement. He was killed by a sniper while speaking on a college campus in Utah in September 2025, reigniting the issue of political violence.

Skip next section All Content on this topic

All Content on this topic

Erika Kirk greets Vice President JD Vance during Turning Point USA's AmericaFest.

Vance endorsed for president at MAGA convention

Turning Point USA's AmericaFest convention has closed after four days of debates and political jockeying.
PoliticsDecember 22, 202501:41 min
Charlie Kirk speaks into microphone at event

Charlie Kirk: US revokes 6 visas over social media comments

The US State Department said it has "no obligation to host foreigners who wish death on Americans."
Freedom of SpeechOctober 15, 2025
Jimmy Kimmel looks into the camera in 2024

How the US, Donald Trump reacted to Jimmy Kimmel's TV return

After nearly tearing up in his opening monologue, Kimmel said he never meant to make light of Charlie Kirk's killing.
Press FreedomSeptember 24, 202502:36 min
Jimmy Kimmel sitting at the desk of the Late Night Show Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Tuesday

Jimmy Kimmel returns to late night amid Trump criticism

Kimmel was back on TV with a defense of free speech and criticism of "bullying" from the US president.
PoliticsSeptember 24, 2025
US President Donald Trump

Donald Trump's designated bogeyman: Who is the Antifa?

President Trump declared the Antifa movement a domestic terrorist organization. However, it isn't a formal organization.
PoliticsSeptember 23, 2025
US President Donald Trump arrives to speak at the public memorial service for right-wing activist Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on September 21, 2025

Unpacking Trump's racist and authoritarian ideology

Authors Jamaica Kincaid, Elizabeth Kolbert and William Hitchcock discussed Trump's attacks on free speech in Berlin.
CultureSeptember 23, 2025
People hold Antifa flags at Trump Tower to counter protest the "White Lives Matter" march and rally on April 11, 2021 in New York City, US

Trump labels Antifa as 'domestic terrorist organization'

According to Trump's executive order, US authorities can act against "any person claiming to act on behalf of Antifa."
PoliticsSeptember 23, 2025
Screenshot of a viral video on social media claiming “5,000 liberals” raided Charlie Kirk’s memorial.

Fact check: Charlie Kirk funeral protested by liberals?

A clip showing a protest outside Charlie Kirk's memorial has sparked false claims about the idemonstrators' identity.
PoliticsSeptember 22, 2025
The US-correspondent of German public broadcaster ZDF, Elmar Thevessen wears a suit and gestures with his hands

US: Grenell threatens to revoke visa of German journalist

Will the US government toughen the conditions for German journalists working in the US?
PoliticsSeptember 18, 2025
Picture of a person's chest with a badge bearing the words 'Bella Ciao' tagged on their jacket.

Bella Ciao: Protest song in focus after Charlie Kirk killing

A look at the evolution of the Italian protest anthem, from its opaque origins to TikTok remixes and feminist marches.
CultureSeptember 18, 2025
Jimmy Kimmel gesturing with his hand, looking toward camera while hosting the Academy Awards in 2024

'Jimmy Kimmel Live' pulled off air over Charlie Kirk comment

ABC network is taking "Jimmy Kimmel Live" off the air indefinitely following the comedian's comments about Charlie Kirk.
PoliticsSeptember 18, 2025
Charlie Kirk speaks into a microphone

Charlie Kirk shooting suspect faces death penalty

The charge of aggravated murder means the suspected shooter could face the death penalty if convicted.
Law and JusticeSeptember 16, 2025
AI-generated image showing the alleged Charlie Kirk shooter, labelled as fake

Fact check: AI image of Kirk shooter fuels conspiracy

An AI-generated image of Charlie Kirk's alleged attacker has sparked a wave of misinformation. DW investigates claims.
PoliticsSeptember 15, 2025
A split screen shows DW News anchor Tomi Oladipo and US political analyst Liz Schuelke.

Suspect in Charlie Kirk killing in custody

A young Utah man suspected of killing the conservative activist Charlie Kirk has been taken into custody.
PoliticsSeptember 13, 202504:29 min
A crowd of people holding candles during a candlelight vigil. Many candle-lit faces are visisble

Charlie Kirk shooting deepens divide in US politics

The assassination of the close Trump ally is the latest in a cycle of political violence in a deeply divided America.
Law and JusticeSeptember 13, 202502:25 min
A Trump-Vance political sign with Kirk's name taped to it is seen at a makeshift memorial

Charlie Kirk

Donald Trump has called the right-wing conservative activist, killed on September 10, a "martyr" and an American hero.
PoliticsSeptember 12, 2025
Charlie Kirk speaks at an event

Trump ally Charlie Kirk was online voice of the US right

Charlie Kirk had a major influence on young conservatives — particularly white men — in the United States.
PoliticsSeptember 11, 2025
Ghana's President John Mahama speaking

AfricaLink News: September 11

Ghana accepts West African deportees from the US +++ South Africa reopens inquests into apartheid-era deaths
PoliticsSeptember 11, 202504:22 min
Charlie Kirk in a white t-shirt seated and speaking to a microphone

US: Conservative pundit Charlie Kirk shot dead at Utah rally

Charlie Kirk was fielding questions during an event at a university when he was struck in the neck by a gunshot.
CrimeSeptember 10, 2025