Kirk was a close ally of President Donald Trump and the founder of Turning Point USA, a conservative nonprofit organization that focuses on high schools and colleges. He spoke at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee last year.

Bowyer was a frequent guest on Kirk's podcast, The Charlie Kirk Show. Andrew Kolvet, Kirk's spokesperson and the show's executive producer, shared on X that he and Bowyer were among those who recorded live from the podcast studio on Friday morning to "remember our friend."