Charlie Kirk, an American right-wing political activist, author, and media personality, was married to Erika Frantzve, and they have two children.
Erika is an American businesswoman and philanthropist who rose to fame after winning Miss Arizona USA in 2012.
Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative political activist and co-founder of the group Turning Point USA, was fatally shot on Wednesday during an event at Utah Valley University.
According to the Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS), the shooting occurred around 12:20 p.m. local time while Kirk was speaking. Officials believe it was a targeted attack, with the shooter firing a single round from a nearby rooftop.
Approximately 3,000 people attended the event held in a student courtyard and were secured by both university officers and Kirk’s own security detail.
A major manhunt for the gunman is currently underway. While two individuals were initially detained, they were later released.
We initially took in George Zinn as a suspect. He was later released and charged with obstruction by UVU police. A second suspect, Zachariah Qureshi, was taken into custody and released after interrogation with law enforcement. There are no current ties to the shooting with either of these individuals. There is an ongoing investigation and manhunt for the shooter.
Utah Department of Public Safety
The investigation is being co-led by the FBI alongside the DPS, the Utah County Attorney’s Office, the Utah County Sheriff’s Office, and local police departments.
People of all political persuasions have widely denounced the incident. President Donald Trump described Krik’s passing as a “dark day for America.“
Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the FBI via their tip line at www.fbi.gov/utahvalleyshooting.
Charlie Kirk’s Wife is an Entrepreneur and Former Miss Arizona
Charlie Kirk’s wife, Erika Frantzve, is an accomplished public figure in her own right.
They began dating in 2018 after meeting for a very long dinner. Charlie knew almost immediately that she was the one.
Charlie and Erika’s relationship progressed quickly.
They got engaged in December 2020 and married on May 8, 2021, in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Marriage is the greatest gift from God. I am blessed with the most amazing wife, mom to our children, and friend. Happy Sunday.
Charlie Kirk
Before meeting Charlie, Erika had a notable career. She was crowned Miss Arizona USA in 2012 and was a standout college basketball player.
She earned a degree in political science from Arizona State University and pursued graduate studies at Liberty University.
Moreover, Erika is deeply involved in faith-based and entrepreneurial projects. She is the host of the Midweek Rise Up podcast and CEO of Proclaim Streetwear.
She also runs Bible in 365, a ministry project. Previously, she founded Everyday Heroes Like You, a nonprofit organization, in 2006 to support charities.
As of 2026, she works as a realtor at the Corcoran Group in New York City.
Our life is built on covenant and I follow him, because he follows Christ.
Erika Frantzve
To submit to him is not weakness…it is worship and a humbling blessing.
This love is not ours…it’s God’s, on display.
Charlie Kirk and Erika Frantzve’s Two Children
Charlie Kirk and his wife, Erika Frantzve, had two young children during their four-year marriage.
The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter, on August 23, 2022. They jointly announced her arrival by sharing the same photo on their social media accounts.
Their family grew in May 2024 with the birth of their second child, a son.
Charlie shared the happy news by posting a photo of himself holding his newborn son in the hospital.
Just a few weeks before his passing, Charlie and Erika celebrated their daughter’s third birthday together.
Happy birthday to our incredible daughter. Teaching her to know God, alongside @mrserikakirk, is the greatest privilege. Having a family will change your life in the best ways, so get married and have kids. You won’t regret it.
Charles Kirk
Despite being a well-known public figure, the married couple was fiercely protective of their children’s privacy. They made a conscious decision to keep their names and faces off of social media.
Charlie had explained that it’s no one’s business what his children’s names are or their faces.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Charles James Kirk was born on October 14, 1993, in the Chicago suburb of Arlington Heights, Illinois, and grew up in nearby Prospect Heights.
- His father is an architect, and his mother is a mental health counselor.
- He was a member of the Council for National Policy (CNP) and chief executive officer (CEO) of Turning Point Action (TPAction).
