“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances,” The First Amendment of the United States Constitution.

While the First Amendment guarantees every American the right to speak freely and defend their beliefs, Charlie Kirk built his career around exercising that very freedom through political activism and outreach.

Charles James Kirk was a conservative political activist from Arlington Heights, Illinois. In 2012, he founded his nonprofit organization Turning Point USA, which advocates for conservative politics on high school and college campuses. In 2016, he addressed the Republican National Convention and published his first major book, It’s Time for a Turning Point. Building on the momentum of his early activism and publications, Kirk expanded his influence by taking his message directly to students through live events and digital platforms.

Kirk hosted his first “Campus Clash” at the University of Colorado Boulder on October 3, 2018. These “clashes” were public debates in which he, and sometimes TPUSA guests, would have open-mic discussions with college students. These events not only brought Kirk into direct contact with young audiences but also laid the foundation for his broader influence online. Over the years, he became one of the most prominent political voices for Gen Z, amassing millions of followers on social media, and he hosted his podcast, The Charlie Kirk Show. He became a household name across the country and demonstrated how to hold peaceful debates and gatherings. During these debates, Kirk would begin with a short speech and then invite students with opposing viewpoints to challenge him directly at the microphone. The exchanges were sometimes heated but typically drew large crowds, with supporters praising the openness of discussion.

Kirk was very open about his faith in Jesus Christ, saying, “Jesus saved my life. I’m a sinner. I gave my life to Christ, the most important decision I have ever made.” He was adamant about being pro-life and Christlike. When asked, “If you could be associated with one thing, how would you want to be remembered,” Kirk responded with “I want to be remembered for my courage for my faith. That would be the most important thing.” Kirk’s outspoken faith shaped both his message and his mission, making his sudden death during a campus tour all the more shocking to his supporters.

Kirk’s life and message were rooted in his devotion to Christ and his courage to defend his beliefs. That sense of purpose made the tragedy that unfolded all the more difficult to comprehend. On September 10, Charlie Kirk was shot in the neck area and killed while visiting Utah Valley University. It was his first stop on his fall 2025 “The American Comeback Tour.”

Charlie Kirk was hosting a peaceful event on a college campus when his life was taken. This heartbreaking act shows that political violence is never isolated, it shatters families and communities alike. The man had a wife and two children, all of whom were in attendance for the event. His wife is now widowed, and his children left fatherless. Ending the life of another human being is never the answer. Political views do not matter when it comes to the value of a human life. Political violence has no place in our country.

This tragedy was not an isolated incident. On April 13, 2025, the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg was set on fire in a suspected political arson while Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were inside. Though everyone was evacuated safely with no physical injuries, the attack caused serious damage to part of the home. Both of these events show that political violence does not remain contained, it endangers families, destabilizes communities, and undermines the very fabric of our democracy.

Charlie Kirk stayed true to his values, no matter the backlash that opposed him. He would openly debate anybody who wanted to debate him. He never backed down. Regardless of opinion, Charlie Kirk stood firm in his beliefs and became a martyr to them, that, to me, is an act worthy of respect.

Life is never promised. Every breath you take is a gift. Let this be a reminder to keep your loved ones close and to take a step back once in a while. Politics can be a heated subject, but is it really worth it? Does political disagreement justify placing it above the value of a human life?

In this chaotic world we live in, I challenge all of you to think of yourself less. It doesn’t matter if you don’t agree with him, he was a human being deserving of life, no matter what his beliefs were.

His unwavering commitment to his values finds a striking parallel in Revelation 2:10, which calls believers to remain faithful even when facing trials. The verse states, “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Charlie Kirk’s faithfulness to his convictions mirrors this command, reminding us that hope is not rooted in this passing world but in the eternal reward promised by Christ to those who endure.

Rest in Peace, Charlie Kirk.

Image credits: Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Image Caption: 31-Year-Old Political Activist Charlie Kirk Smiles on Stage