Just the Truth Podcast with Joey Hudson

A life lived out loud for faith, freedom, and America.

It’s a day of sadness and gratitude. Sadness, because our friend and colleague Charlie Kirk—conservative activist, founder of Turning Point USA, husband and father—was shot during a campus event at Utah Valley University yesterday and later died of his injuries. Gratitude, because even in grief we can give thanks for a life spent rallying young Americans to love their country and to speak boldly.

Witness video from the event shows a single shot as Charlie addressed a large crowd outdoors at UVU around 12:20 p.m. He was rushed to the hospital by his security team and pronounced dead later in the day. UVU closed campus and escorted students off site as law enforcement locked down buildings and launched an investigation.

As details have developed, authorities have offered evolving updates: early statements indicated a subject was detained; hours later, officials clarified that individuals initially questioned were released and the investigation remains active. We’ll keep tracking official briefings as the manhunt continues.

In a formal proclamation from the White House, President Donald Trump ordered U.S. flags flown at half-staff nationwide through sunset on Sunday, honoring Charlie’s memory. The president also spoke from the Oval Office about Charlie’s impact on the country—remarks we’ll share on today’s show. Leaders across the spectrum expressed condolences and called for an end to political violence.

Charlie Kirk rocketed from suburban Chicago organizer to one of the most influential voices on the right. At 18 he co-founded Turning Point USA, building a student movement that packed arenas and pushed the free-speech debate squarely onto America’s campuses. He married Erika Frantzve in 2021; they have two young children. At just 31, Charlie had already authored books, hosted a top-ranked podcast, and helped energize a new generation of conservative voters.

We’re grieving—but we’re not without hope. Charlie never hid his faith; he spoke openly about Jesus and the power of grace. On this Thankful Thursday, we’re thankful for a life that pointed people to conviction and courage. As believers, many of us take comfort in the promise that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.

If you want to share a memory or prayer for Erika and the kids, call or text the Firmin Ford text line at 864-477-JOEY (5639). You can also leave a voice message to be aired on a future podcast.

Charlie Kirk, Turning Point USA, UVU, Utah Valley University, political violence, half-staff order, Oval Office remarks, conservative movement, free speech, faith and freedom