RNC leaves convention seat empty for Charlie Kirk one year after assassination

Published September 9, 2026 5:21pm ET



The Republican Party paid tribute to Charlie Kirk at its unprecedented midterm convention on Wednesday evening, recognizing the conservative activist’s influence on the GOP one year after his assassination shook the nation. 

Nearly one year to the day after a gunman fatally shot Kirk during a speaking event at Utah Valley University, the Republican National Committee reserved a seat on the convention stage for him.

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