Kirk was outspoken about issues like crime and mass shootings, always tying his arguments back to the Second Amendment. But beyond politics, he was first and foremost a devoted husband and father — a role his family says defined him most.

There’s no doubt Charlie was incredibly close to his family. Tragically, both his wife and children were at Utah Valley University to watch him speak when he was shot, according to the BBC. Thankfully, they escaped unharmed, but Charlie could not be saved.

He passed away at a nearby hospital roughly 90 minutes after being shot.