Mikey McCoy Honors Charlie Kirk in First Interview Since Tragic Loss Less Than Week Ago
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Mikey McCoy Honors Charlie Kirk in First Interview Since Tragic Loss Less Than Week Ago
Mikey McCoy, former Chief of Staff to Charlie Kirk, shares intimate memories of his friendship with the Turning Point USA founder in his first interview following Kirk's death. From their first meeting when Kirk convinced him to skip college and join the movement, to being just feet away during the tragic events, McCoy reflects on Kirk's legacy, the upcoming memorial at State Farm Stadium, and the future of the organization that reached tens of thousands of students across America.
Mikey McCoy's relationship with Charlie Kirk began in the most unexpected way. When Kirk came to speak at McCoy's father's church, McCoy was tasked with driving Kirk and his then-girlfriend Erika to the airport. During that drive, Kirk grilled the young man on Aristotle, American history, and Plato. As they arrived at the terminal, Kirk made an unconventional proposal: "I don't want you to go to college, I want you to come work for me at Turning Point USA."
McCoy took a day to think about it, noting that Kirk's direct approach mirrored how he met his wife Erika, telling her from the start, "I don't want to hurry you, I want to date you." McCoy describes the decision to join Kirk as leading to "the best six years of my life that I spent under the tutelage of Charlie and learning from him."
From Two States to Forty-Eight
When Kirk first asked McCoy how many states he had visited, the answer was just two. Kirk's response was simple: "I will change that." True to his word, McCoy traveled to 48 states and six countries alongside Kirk, describing it as "the honor of my lifetime to travel with him."
This whirlwind journey wasn't just about geography—it represented Kirk's mission to reach young people across America with his message about faith, freedom, and conservative values.
The Day Everything Changed
McCoy was present during the tragic events, standing just feet away from Kirk when he was killed. Reflecting on statements from the Utah County District Attorney, who quoted the suspect saying "I had enough of his hatred" and "some hate cannot be negotiated out," McCoy offered his perspective on what Kirk would say to that.
"The day that Charlie was martyred was the perfect example of the legacy that he lived," McCoy said. "The day he walked out to that crowd, there is a sea of thousands of students cheering his name meant he was doing what he loved, throwing out MAGA hats and answering questions and reclaiming the name of Jesus Christ and I guess the Gospel is a hard message to receive for some people."
McCoy pointed out the irony that messages sent between the suspect and others—"like that, back and forth to a lover, to a friend or something like that on a group thread"—somehow offended the perpetrator enough to commit such an act.
From Empty Rooms to Thousands
"Charlie built Turning Point USA to help fight for the youth of America and he set out with no one showing up to our events and ended with tens of thousands of students showing up to our events," McCoy explained. "So his mission is staying alive, his work is going to continue and the truth offends people."
The organization's explosive growth reflects Kirk's dedication and ability to connect with young Americans who felt their voices weren't being heard on college campuses across the nation.
The Future of Turning Point USA
When asked about the future leadership of Turning Point USA, McCoy emphasized that Kirk was always prepared. "Charlie always had a knack for choosing people as Erika said in her message. He did. He always had plans in case something happened and this will continue to play out in the public will see it soon."
McCoy committed to "growing the organization, to growing his legacy that he built and as Erika said, to make sure that no one forgets the name Charlie Kirk."
A Final Gift
On their flight to Korea the previous week, McCoy gave Kirk a book, and Kirk had just finalized his own manuscript for "Stop in the Name of God," which is now on sale and coming out soon—a poignant reminder of Kirk's continued influence even after his death.
A Memorial to Remember
With only seven days to plan, McCoy and the team are organizing a memorial service at State Farm Stadium in Arizona. "It's expected to be a packed house," McCoy said. "Everybody is flying out for this. Seven days to plan an event like this seems impossible but everyone is working to make sure we honor Charlie."
The memorial will feature speakers from the administration, along with friends, family, and loved ones who will speak about Kirk and the legacy he lived. McCoy promised attendees will see that legacy honored front and center.
As the interview concluded, McCoy was reminded he still has two more states to visit to complete all fifty. The response: "Do it for Charlie."
