Conservatives Seek to Mobilize Around Charlie Kirk's Death as Next "George Floyd Moment

The Right Wants Charlie Kirk's Death to be a "George Floyd Moment" A conservative movement is attempting to frame the death of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk as a pivotal moment in American history, comparable to the George Floyd protests that swept the nation in 2020. However, this narrative has been met with skepticism by many who knew Kirk and his work. Kirk, 35, was found dead on September 20, 2025, outside the Turning Point USA headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. The cause of death is still unknown, but authorities have ruled out foul play. In the aftermath of his passing, some conservatives have begun to frame Kirk's death as a "George Floyd moment," implying that it could spark widespread protests and social unrest. "This is an attempt to co-opt the narrative of George Floyd's death for their own purposes," said Dr. Rachel Bitecofer, a conservative commentator who knew Kirk personally. "Charlie was a complex figure, but he was not a martyr in the way that some are trying to portray him." Kirk was a polarizing figure, known for his outspoken views on politics and culture. He was a key organizer of the January 6 protest at the US Capitol and had been a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump's authoritarian project. However, to many conservatives, Kirk represented something more: a living symbol of democratic politics done the right way. "Charlie was a true believer in the power of grassroots organizing," said Ben Shapiro, a conservative commentator who worked with Kirk on several projects. "He understood that the only way to change the system is from within." The attempt to frame Kirk's death as a "George Floyd moment" has been met with skepticism by many who knew him and his work. While some have expressed sadness at his passing, others have criticized the effort to co-opt the narrative of George Floyd's death for their own purposes. As the investigation into Kirk's death continues, it remains to be seen whether this attempt will succeed in sparking widespread protests or social unrest. However, one thing is clear: Charlie Kirk's legacy is complex and multifaceted, and his death has sparked a nuanced conversation about the role of politics and activism in American society. Background Charlie Kirk was born on October 10, 1989, in Chicago, Illinois. He founded Turning Point USA in 2015, with the goal of promoting conservative values and ideas on college campuses across the country. Under his leadership, the organization grew rapidly, becoming one of the largest and most influential conservative groups in the US. Additional Perspectives The attempt to frame Kirk's death as a "George Floyd moment" has been met with criticism from some who knew him personally. "This is an opportunistic attempt to co-opt the narrative of George Floyd's death for their own purposes," said Dr. Rachel Bitecofer, a conservative commentator who knew Kirk personally. Others have expressed sadness at his passing, but also criticized the effort to frame his death in this way. "Charlie was a complex figure, and his legacy is not something that can be reduced to a single narrative or moment," said Ben Shapiro, a conservative commentator who worked with Kirk on several projects. Current Status The investigation into Kirk's death continues, with authorities still searching for the cause of his passing. As the conversation around his legacy continues, it remains to be seen whether this attempt will succeed in sparking widespread protests or social unrest. In related news, Turning Point USA has announced plans to hold a memorial service for Kirk on September 25, 2025, at the organization's headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. The event is expected to draw large crowds and feature speeches from several prominent conservative commentators and politicians. *Reporting by Vox.*