**Christian Apologist Frank Turek Recounts Witnessing the Assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University**
Christian apologist and author Frank Turek was just feet away when Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk was assassinated at Utah Valley University on September 10. In a new podcast episode, Turek recounted the tragic shooting and the frantic rush to the hospital where doctors pronounced the 31-year-old dead.
Kirk had first reached out to Turek years ago for mentorship in Christian apologetics, Turek said in the podcast titled *“The Greatness of Charlie Kirk: An Eyewitness Account of His Life and Martyrdom.”* Their relationship blossomed over time, with Turek describing how he came to consider Kirk like a son.
On the morning of the event, Turek joined Kirk’s team during the car ride to Utah Valley University. They discussed potential student questions and fine-tuned answers in preparation for the event. After making a quick stop to speak to a local entrepreneur group, the team arrived at the outdoor venue. Kirk began taking photos with supporters and tossing hats into the large, energetic crowd.
Although Turek expressed concern about the number of nearby buildings and the potential safety risks, Kirk appeared confident in his private security detail and the local police presence.
Standing about 30 feet to Kirk’s right, Turek was eager to share the excitement and even FaceTimed family members. During a question about transgender violence, Turek suddenly heard a single shot and saw Kirk fall backward.
“I’m still on the phone, and my daughter-in-law told me these were the first words out of my mouth: ‘No, no, no, no, no,’” Turek recalled. “If your son got hit, what would you do? I had to do something.”
Turek and the security team quickly jumped into the SUV they had traveled in and sped to the hospital, performing CPR and reciting prayers along the way. He said, “Charlie’s so tall, we can’t close the door. We drove four miles all the way to the hospital with the door open.”
As they raced to the hospital, Turek realized that Kirk had already passed away. “Charlie wasn’t there,” Turek said through tears. “His eyes were fixed. He wasn’t looking at me; he was looking past me right into eternity. He was with Jesus already. He was killed instantly and felt absolutely no pain.”
Despite their best efforts, there was nothing they could do to save Kirk. “If that’s any comfort at all, Charlie didn’t suffer,” Turek said. “He was gone. He was with Jesus. Absent from the body, p
https://www.foxnews.com/us/charlie-kirks-final-moments-emotionally-detailed-mentor-frank-turek-he-jesus-already