He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”

The post confirmed what supporters had been fearing since Kirk was rushed into emergency surgery after being shot in the neck during a Q&A with students.

A Movement in Mourning

Kirk, the CEO of Turning Point USA, had become one of the most prominent voices of conservatism on college campuses, rallying students with fiery speeches and unapologetic defense of his beliefs. Just hours before the shooting, he had posted enthusiastically about his “American Comeback Tour” kicking off in Utah.

Now, his wife Erika, their two young children, and a nationwide following are left