Image Credit: Getty Images Charlie Kirk was raised in Illinois, primarily in Prospect Heights, Cook County, by his parents. Coming from a moderately political household, according to several outlets, mourners of the late right-wing activist are learning more about his background, childhood, his parents and family. Amid his political stratospheric rise, Kirk was shot dead on September 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University during an event part of his national "American Comeback Tour.