Kyle Rittenhouse Reflects on Friendship with Charlie Kirk

On Sunday, Kyle Rittenhouse shared his thoughts with Fox News Digital about his friendship with Charlie Kirk, a relationship that started in 2021 during a challenging time for Rittenhouse. He mentioned that during his legal troubles, which attracted significant attention, he connected with Kirk and took time off to mourn the loss of Turning Point USA’s founder.

“When Charlie was assassinated, I was on my lunch break,” Rittenhouse recalled. “I had just returned home, left my dog, and then saw the video of a friend being murdered.”

He emphasized the impact Kirk had on him, noting, “I took the rest of the day off. Charlie meant a lot to me, so I took the rest of the week off from work.” It was clear that Kirk’s sudden death had affected many, and Rittenhouse wasn’t alone in feeling this loss.

Kirk had been one of Rittenhouse’s strongest supporters, frequently featuring him on “The Charlie Kirk Show” and inviting him to various Turning Point USA events. At one such event in Phoenix in December 2021, Kirk publicly praised Rittenhouse, calling him “millions of heroes,” a statement that resonated widely.

In the following years, Rittenhouse found himself navigating a complex landscape, especially after an incident at the University of Memphis, where protesters confronted him. Kirk even threatened legal action over the situation, indicating the ongoing challenges they faced.

Since his acquittal of all charges in Kenosha, Rittenhouse has mostly maintained a low profile. He noted that his involvement in the tragic events during the 2020 protests still looms in his life, but he keeps moving forward.

Rittenhouse was among many individuals who attended Kirk’s memorial service, which took place on September 10, 2025, where Kirk had been speaking just before his tragic end. The ceremony featured prominent figures, including speeches from President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, reflecting the significant impact Kirk had on many lives.