Savannah Chrisley vows to carry Charlie Kirk’s legacy after his death

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated at a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University in Orem on Sept. 10, authorities said, and he was pronounced dead later that day. Kirk, 31, had spent the fall touring campuses to advocate for conservative policies and to engage students in debates about free speech and government. The shooting drew swift condemnation from across the political spectrum and raised questions about threats to public figures on college campuses and beyond.

During an appearance on Fox News' Fox & Friends, Savannah Chrisley said "our lives are on the line" and vowed to continue Kirk’s cause. The reality TV star, who had been scheduled to join Kirk on a campus tour, said Kirk "gave me a voice" when she felt voiceless and described Erika Kirk as stepping into a leadership role at Turning Point USA after the tragedy.

Chrisley said Kirk's work has left a lasting impact on her family and on young conservatives. She noted how her 19-year-old brother and other students have become more outspoken, adding: "To watch my 19-year-old brother and watch all these college kids now show up and be loud and not be afraid because, at the end of the day, our lives are on the line." She also emphasized Kirk's belief in confronting evil: "2028 is coming up. And Charlie, he wants us to fight. He wants us to be loud. And he said it himself, 'If you don't correct evil, if you don't speak about evil, when evil is happening, then that in itself is evil.' So it's my job to stand up, be loud, and really I don't care who likes it and who doesn't."

Erika Kirk is taking the reins at Turning Point USA as Charlie Kirk's death brings leadership changes within the group. In a separate memorial context, a large event is planned at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Sunday to honor Charlie Kirk. President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are among those slated to speak at the Arizona gathering.

Authorities identified the murder suspect as Tyler Robinson, 22, who had been living with a 22-year-old roommate who is transitioning from male to female.

Public figures denounced political violence in the wake of the shooting. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Josh Duhamel, and Jillian Michaels were among those who spoke out against the incident.

Shortly after his death, Chrisley posted on TikTok about the people she had met through Kirk and the impact of his work. "In those two and a half years, I've met so many great people and lifelong friends," she said. "And one of those people that brought me into their world was Charlie Kirk. Someone who gave me a voice as a woman made me feel like I had the power to show up in this world. And he was assassinated today. It truly was a political assassination." She added prayers for Erika and Kirk's family.

The movement behind Turning Point USA remains determined to press ahead with Kirk's agenda, with supporters arguing that his legacy will continue to energize students and conservatives across campuses as the investigation continues.