Kyle Rittenhouse, the former Wisconsin teenager who was acquitted of all charges in the 2020 Kenosha shootings, has taken time off work to mourn the assassination of his close friend Charlie Kirk. The Turning Point USA founder, who was a prominent voice in conservative activism, was shot and killed on September 10, 2025, while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The event has brought together a large group of mourners, including political figures like Donald Trump and JD Vance, for a public memorial service at the State Farm Arena in Glendale, Arizona.
Rittenhouse, who was a political lightning rod due to his involvement in the 2020 events that led to his acquittal, revealed that he was on his lunch break when he first learned of Kirk’s death. He explained that upon returning home, he saw the video of his friend’s assassination on X, which immediately caused him to take the rest of the day and week off work to grieve. His personal connection to Kirk, who had been supportive of his cause and even called him a hero on multiple occasions, was a significant factor in his decision to take time off.
The tragic death of Kirk, who was one of Rittenhouse’s most vocal supporters and had brought him on his show multiple times, has sparked a wave of mourning across the conservative community. Kirk was known as ‘the godfather of campus conservatism’ and had a significant influence on youth leaders and conservative activism. His assassination has prompted a public memorial service that includes speeches from prominent political figures, including Donald Trump and JD Vance, highlighting the deep impact his death has had on the political landscape.
Since his acquittal, Rittenhouse has largely kept a low profile, but the recent events have brought him back into the public eye. The memorial service for Kirk has become a significant event, drawing thousands of attendees and serving as a reminder of the personal and political connections that Rittenhouse has had throughout his life. The tragedy of Kirk’s death has brought together a community of mourners who are now coming to terms with the loss of a figure who played a pivotal role in shaping the current landscape of conservative activism.