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Frank Turek Shares Emotional Account of Charlie Kirk’s Tragic End
Christian apologist and author Frank Turek was mere feet away when educator and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk met a tragic end at Utah Valley University. In a revealing podcast episode, Turek detailed the events of the shooting that occurred on September 10, recounting the frantic rush to the hospital where doctors ultimately confirmed the 31-year-old’s death.
A Mentor’s Reflections
Turek described how Kirk first reached out to him several years prior, seeking mentorship in Christian apologetics. Their bond flourished over time, with Turek expressing that he came to view Kirk as a son.
Last Morning Together
On the day of the incident, Turek traveled with Kirk’s team to Utah Valley University, discussing potential questions from students while fine-tuning responses. Before heading to the outdoor venue, they made a brief stop to converse with a local entrepreneur group.
Upon arrival, Kirk enthusiastically took photos with supporters and even tossed hats into the lively crowd. While Turek voiced concerns about the proximity of several buildings and the safety risks they presented, Kirk appeared confident in the capabilities of his private security and the local police detail.
A Moment of Horror
As Turek attempted to share the excitement of the event with family via FaceTime, everything changed in an instant. When a question arose about transgender violence, a single shot rang out, and Kirk collapsed.
“I remember saying, ‘No, no, no, no, no’ as soon as I realized what happened,” Turek recalled. “If your son got hit, what would you do? I rushed to the car, desperate to do something if there was any way to save him.”
Desperate Race to the Hospital
Turek and the security team jumped into their SUV, speeding toward the hospital while performing CPR and reciting fervent prayers. Turek noted that due to Kirk’s height, they could not fully close the vehicle’s door during their rapid journey.
“We drove four miles all the way to the hospital with the door open,” Turek recounted, still calling out to Kirk in hopes of a response.
Facing the Unthinkable
Upon their arrival at the hospital, Turek’s heart sank. He realized Kirk was no longer with them.
“Charlie wasn’t there,” Turek said, his voice breaking with emotion. “His eyes were fixed. He wasn’t looking at me; he was looking past me right into eternity. He had already gone to be with Jesus. He was killed instantly and felt absolutely no pain.”
Despite their frantic efforts, Turek knew they had done everything they could, but it ultimately was not enough to save Kirk.
“If there’s any comfort at all, Charlie didn’t suffer,” Turek continued. “He was gone. He was with Jesus. Absent from the body – present with the Lord. That’s where he was.”
The Burden of Loss
Medical staff managed to briefly restore Kirk’s pulse, but a surgeon pronounced him dead within thirty minutes of arrival. Turek described Kirk’s injuries as catastrophic.
Following the tragedy, Kirk’s team wasted no time informing his wife, Erika, while arranging for a plane to bring her to the hospital. Turek shared how Erika arrived and, despite her profound grief, expressed her commitment to carrying on Kirk’s legacy.
“She said, ‘He loved you, and he was doing what he wanted to do,’” Turek recalled, touching on the emotional moment they shared. “She insisted she wanted to keep Charlie’s legacy alive. That woman is not going to be denied. If this assassin thought he would end Charlie’s impact, he just added fuel to the fire, and Erika is determined to lead the charge.”
Reconnecting with Memories
Initially, the group faced difficulties in accessing their belongings due to the police investigation. When they finally could retrieve the SUV, Turek described a poignant moment when Erika asked for her husband’s cross necklace, which had gone missing during the chaos.
Turek found the necklace draped over his computer bag, where Kirk had rested during the journey to the hospital. Erika later held it aloft in a heart-wrenching photo as she escorted Kirk’s body to a chapel in Arizona.
A Lasting Legacy
Throughout the podcast episode, Turek painted a vivid picture of Kirk as a courageous and dedicated Christian leader. He highlighted Kirk’s humility, discipline, and deep commitment to family, defending him against critics who have misinterpreted some of Kirk’s more controversial remarks.
In one of his last messages the day before his death, Kirk shared a powerful Bible verse, 1 Corinthians 16:9, which states that a wide door for effective work had opened up to him, despite the presence of many adversaries. Turek’s reflections illuminate the impactful life of a man who dedicated himself to a meaningful cause and the undying spirit that will continue through those who loved him.
