By Esther Wickham
The Center Square

Editor’s note: Since the initial publication of this story, authorities announced they had a suspect in Charlie Kirk’s assassination in custody. Officials identified him as Tyler Robinson, 22, of Utah, as reported by The Center Square Friday in its national and Utah sections.

Following Charlie Kirk’s assassination on a Utah college campus, many are reflecting on the impact the Turning Point USA founder had on conservative youth.

During an American Comeback Tour on Wednesday, hosted by the TPUSA chapter at Utah Valley University, Kirk was shot and killed.

Following the horrific event, Turning Point USA posted a statement on Thursday on Kirk’s X account.

“Every one of us at Turning Point USA is crushed and devastated by the hateful murder of our founder and guiding light, Charlie Kirk,” the post said. “Charlie was no stranger to threats … But he always prioritized reaching as many young Americans as possible over his own personal safety. Now, Charlie has become America’s greatest martyr to the freedom of speech he so adored.”

Kirk founded Turning Point in 2012 at the age of 18. Headquartered in Phoenix, the nonprofit seeks to advocate for conservative policies on college and university campuses and high schools. There are currently over 800 chapters on college campuses nationwide.

Countless individuals and organizations that knew Kirk flooded social media with posts about their friend’s legacy.

Prager University, a conservative nonprofit, posted a tribute to Kirk, “Remembering Our Dear Friend, Charlie Kirk,” writing that Kirk used to say PragerU was the Air Force and TPUSA was the Army of the young conservative movement.

“Right now, we are numb with disbelief. Our dear friend is gone. Frankly, we can’t reconcile ourselves to it,” PragerU said. “But we know what Charlie would want us to do. And so we will do it. We will fight to preserve the Judeo-Christian values he cherished and the America he loved. And we will do it with greater determination than ever before.”

“It’s hard to find words to describe the terrible events that unfolded yesterday with the death of a dear friend and warrior for the truth, Charlie Kirk,” Kristen Waggoner, CEO of Alliance Defending Freedom, wrote. “I am heartbroken for his family and am fervently praying for his wife, Erika, and two young children … Charlie was a fierce defender of the truth, boldly standing for the freedoms and values that are at the very foundation of our nation. His courage and moral clarity shaped countless minds and souls, especially those of our next generation.”

Students who joined Kirk’s Turning Point project on their college campuses told The Center Square how Kirk influenced them to stand up for what they believed in.

“Charlie’s passion and boldness in sharing the truth pushed me to become very involved in the pro-life movement. His courage has left an impact on my life to not back down from defending the truth that I so deeply believe in,” Olivia Felis, a former TPUSA member at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee, told The Center Square.

Siena Estenoz, a former TPUSA chapter president, not affiliated with her school, California Baptist University, attended Americafest, Turning Point’s annual conference, in Arizona in high school, and felt called to host a chapter at CBU. In launching this chapter, Kirk encouraged Estenoz to learn more deeply about topics she was passionate about.

“During a West Coast conference, I had the opportunity to speak to him about the possibility of getting married and how I was scared that it would hold me back. He encouraged me that nothing was more meaningful in life than getting married and having children,” Estenoz told The Center Square. “I thank Charlie Kirk for giving me the courage to stand up for what I believe in. For showing me the importance of biblical marriage, the sanctity of life, and giving me the courage to stand up for what I believe in.”

Leaders in the conservative movement have also said that they will continue to speak out and fight to honor the work Kirk started.

Following the news that Kirk was shot, Young America’s Foundation canceled an event it was going to host on Thursday in Santa Barbara, California, with American conservative political commentator Ben Shapiro, to focus on praying for Kirk’s recovery.

“Some have suggested that groups that bring speakers to campus, like YAF, should stop doing so. We will review our security measures to ensure the safety of our students, speakers, and staff. This will likely mean that we will change venues and security measures for many of our events,” former Wisconsin Gov. and current YAF President Scott Walker said. “But we will not stop. Doing so would mean that the evil assassin who did this wins. He must not win. The best way to honor Charlie’s life is to continue his work.”

Shapiro clarified some false media reports that said he canceled future college tours due to security concerns, since Kirk’s murder.

“I will be coming to college campuses … this year,” Shapiro said. “We will never stop debating and discussing. We will never stop standing up for what America is and what she should be … We’re going to pick up that blood-stained microphone where Charlie left it … We will never let Charlie’s voice die.”

On Thursday, Trump announced that Kirk would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously.