Charlie Kirk was remembered as “America’s greatest martyr,” who was no stranger to threats but sacrificed his own safety to “reach” as many young people as he possibly could, the conservative organization he co-founded said in a touching tribute Thursday.

“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 group said in a statement.

“More than anyone, Charlie believed in the power of argument and good-faith debate to find the truth and guide people towards, if not agreement, then at least mutual understanding.

“Charlie was no stranger to threats. He received thousands throughout his life. But he always prioritized reaching as many young Americans as possible over his own personal safety,” Turning Point added.

“Now Charlie has become America’s greatest martyr to the freedom of speech he so adored.”  

Turning Point USA and Turning Point Action also expressed their condolences to Kirk’s wife, Erika, and their two children.

“Charlie was the ideal husband and the perfect father. Above all else, we ask you to pray for the Kirks after the incomprehensible loss they have suffered,” the groups added. 

Kirk, 31, was addressing an audience of around 3,000 people at the inaugural stop for his nationwide American Comeback Tour at Utah Valley University when he was struck by a sniper. 

Before he became a rising MAGA star who rose to prominence on YouTube and X, Kirk launched Turning Point out of his parents’ garage at age 18.

Here's the latest on the Charlie Kirk shooting in Utah

• Police identified Tyler Robinson, 22, as the alleged assassin who fatally shot Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10.
• Robinson was charged with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury and obstruction of justice.
• Law enforcement confirmed that Robinson was living with a transgender roommate, and communications between the two helped the feds catch the alleged assassin.
• Kirk, the 31-year-old Turning Point USA co-founder, was attending an event on his American Comeback Tour when he was struck in the neck by a single shot.
• President Trump was among many who have called for the assassin to receive the death penalty.
• Kirk’s body was brought to Arizona from Utah on Air Force Two, accompanied by Vice President JD Vance, and taken to Phoenix’s Hansen Mortuary Chapel.
• Kirk’s funeral, which Trump has promised to attend, is scheduled for Sept. 21 at State Farm Stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals.
• Kirk, a rising MAGA star, is survived by his wife and two young children.

Kirk’s Turning Point USA and Turning Point Action grassroots organization eventually grew from a total revenue of $4.3 million in 2016 to $92.4 million in 2023 — with a vast majority of it coming from donations, The New York Times reported.

The groups described Kirk as a man who “loved America, its people, its Constitution, its freedom and the limitless good all of them have done for the world.” 

Above all, Kirk loved Christ, Turning Point added. 

“When asked, Charlie said that above all, he wished to be remembered for his faith,” the organizations said. 

“Even in his very last moments, Charlie was professing the Gospel” they added. “For all time, he will remain the brave young man who inspired tens of millions of Americans to better themselves and take action to better America.”

“All of us will miss Charlie,” the obituary concluded. “None of us will ever forget him.”