Turning Point USA issued a strong condemnation of a viral TikTok trend that repurposed audio from the assassination of its founder, Charlie Kirk, for fashion and outfit transition videos.

The organization described the content as "grotesque and dehumanizing" in a statement posted on X. "Turning Point USA condemns in the strongest terms the TikTok audio trend that uses or references the assassination of our founder, Charlie Kirk, for entertainment," TPUSA wrote. "Charlie Kirk was the victim of a real act of political violence. Turning that into viral content is grotesque and dehumanizing. There is nothing harmless, funny, or acceptable about it. It reflects a culture that trivializes violence and reduces real human loss to a punchline. This has no place on TikTok. Or anywhere. This audio needs to be removed."

The trend, which gained traction over the weekend, featured users syncing clips of the September 10, 2025, assassination audio—including the gunshot sound, screams, and possibly Kirk's final words discussing gang violence—to popular video formats like outfit changes. Examples included teenage girls mimicking shooting gestures in casual clothes before transitioning to prom attire amid the audio.

In a follow-up post, TPUSA announced that TikTok had removed all known instances of the audio and related videos. "We have been informed that all known audio and videos using this sound have been removed from TikTok," the group stated. TikTok confirmed the action, noting that the content violated its policies against violent material and the glorification of violence.

Kirk, 31, was fatally shot in the neck by a single bullet from a .30-06 caliber rifle fired from a rooftop 142 yards away during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The outdoor debate, part of the organization's American Comeback Tour, drew about 3,000 attendees. The shooter, 22-year-old Tyler James Robinson, surrendered after a manhunt and faces charges including aggravated murder. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty, citing Robinson's politically motivated attack tied to his opposition to Kirk's conservative views.

Kirk's wife, Erika Kirk, now leads TPUSA, which saw a surge in support following the incident, including over $6 million in donations and new chapter requests.

The controversy drew reactions from public figures. Swimmer Riley Gaines called participants "soulless ghouls." Podcaster Brian Atlas labeled it "gross." Reverend Jordan Wells described it as evidence of a "completely broken" culture. Washington Post columnist Taylor Lorenz noted the trend's emergence.

TPUSA thanked TikTok for its prompt response, emphasizing the need to prevent such trivialization of violence.