When the news broke on September 10, 2025, that Charlie Kirk had been shot at Utah Valley University, the internet didn’t just explode with political vitriol. People started asking about the family. Specifically, everyone wanted to know: were Charlie Kirk kids there during the shooting? It’s a heavy question. Honest to God, it’s the kind of detail that makes a tragedy feel a thousand times more personal, regardless of how you felt about the Turning Point USA founder’s politics.
People have been digging for info on his daughter and son ever since. There's a lot of noise out there. Some folks claim they saw the kids in the crowd, while others say they were safely at home in Arizona. Let's actually look at what we know.
The Utah Shooting: Were Charlie Kirk Kids There in the Chaos?
To be blunt: No. Charlie Kirk's kids were not there at the Utah Valley University event when the shots were fired.
Kirk was at the first stop of his "American Comeback Tour." He was doing his signature "Prove Me Wrong" bit in a campus courtyard. It was a loud, high-energy environment. He often traveled with a massive security detail, but he rarely brought his toddlers to campus events.
His wife, Erika Kirk, confirmed later that the children were not present during the assassination. Thank God for that, right? Imagine the trauma. Instead, she was the one who had to go home and face their three-year-old daughter.
What happened right after
Erika shared a heartbreaking story during a press conference on September 12. She said when she got home, her daughter ran into her arms. The first thing the little girl asked was, "Where's daddy?"
How do you even answer that?
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Erika told the press she said, "Baby, daddy loves you so much. Don't you worry. He's on a work trip with Jesus so he can afford your blueberry budget." It sounds kinda simple, maybe even a bit surreal, but what else do you say to a three-year-old? The "blueberry budget" line apparently referred to the girl's favorite snack. It’s those tiny, domestic details that really gut you.
A Look at Charlie Kirk’s Children
Charlie and Erika were pretty private about their kids. You've probably noticed that if you follow them on Instagram. They would post photos of the kids' hands or the backs of their heads, but never their faces.
Charlie was super adamant about this. He once said in a June 2025 video, "We have a girl and a boy and it's no one's business what their names are or their faces." He was a public figure who invited conflict, and he knew that keeping his kids' identities shielded was the only way to give them a normal-ish life.
The Daughter (Born August 2022)
Their first child is a daughter. She was born on August 23, 2022. That means she had literally just turned three years old a few weeks before her father was killed.
- Birth Story: Erika revealed that she had to have an emergency C-section after 48 hours of labor.
- Public Appearances: She made a rare appearance on Fox & Friends with Charlie just weeks before the Utah event. She ran into his arms on camera—one of the few times the public actually saw their bond in real-time.
- Recent Updates: In late 2025, Erika told Jesse Watters that her daughter still looks up at the sky to talk to her dad.
The Son (Born May 2024)
Their son is even younger. He was born in May 2024. He was only about 16 months old when the shooting happened.
Basically, he’s too young to have any real memories of his father. That’s the part that sticks with people. While the daughter might remember his voice or playing with him, the son will have to rely on videos and stories.
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The Family Legacy and the "Four Kids" Goal
It’s no secret that Charlie Kirk was a huge advocate for young people getting married and having big families. He used to say people should get married as young as possible and have as many kids as they could.
He and Erika weren't done.
In a November 2025 interview with Megyn Kelly, Erika dropped a bit of a bombshell. She said they had planned on having four children total. She even admitted she was "praying" she was pregnant when the murder happened, just so she could have one more piece of him.
It’s heavy stuff. It shows that for all the political firebrand persona, the guy was genuinely building a life centered on his home.
Where the Family Stands Now in 2026
Since the assassination, Erika Kirk hasn't just retreated into the background. She took over as CEO and Chairwoman of Turning Point USA.
She’s basically running the empire while raising two toddlers.
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There’s been some ugly drama lately, though. You might have seen the rumors circulating in December 2025 about a potential custody spat. Some reports suggested Charlie’s parents were unhappy with how Erika was balancing the CEO role and motherhood, even alleging neglect.
Is there any truth to it?
Honestly, it looks like standard internet tabloid fodder. Erika has been very public about her "grit" (or "grift" as she accidentally said in a viral slip-of-the-tongue in December). She’s fighting to keep Charlie’s legacy alive while keeping those kids protected.
Facts to Remember
- Were Charlie Kirk kids there at the shooting? No. They were safe, likely at their home in Arizona or with family.
- How many kids does he have? Two. A daughter (3) and a son (1).
- Are their names public? No. The family has successfully kept their names and faces out of the press to maintain their privacy and safety.
- Who is raising them now? Their mother, Erika Kirk, who is also now leading TPUSA.
The investigation into the shooter, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, is still moving through the courts in 2026. While the legal battle plays out, the real story is how this family is moving on.
Actionable Insights for Following the Story
If you're looking to stay updated on the Kirk family or the ongoing legal proceedings regarding the Utah shooting, here’s how to do it without falling for misinformation:
- Check Primary Sources: Follow Erika Kirk’s official social media or the Turning Point USA press room. They are the only ones with direct info on the family's status.
- Verify Custody Rumors: Be skeptical of YouTube "drama" channels. Unless a major outlet like People or ABC News reports on a legal filing, custody rumors are usually just clickbait.
- Respect the Privacy: Remember that the "no faces, no names" rule for the kids is for their safety. Avoid sharing "leaked" photos if you stumble across them on fringe forums; they are often fake or invasive.
The story of the Kirk family is still being written. It’s moved from the political stage to a much more personal one, focusing on a widow and two children navigating a world that looks very different than it did a year ago.