There are certain people whose lives leave an indelible mark on the world and when tragedy strikes, their voice is looked to for comfort and answers. Charlie Kirk was one of those voices, but on September 10, his voice was no longer there. The tragic assassination of the 31 year old conservative activist, author, speaker, husband, father, and Christian has left us shocked, grieving, and wondering what to do next amidst such evil. We cannot comprehend the heinous act and grieve for his family and Turning Point USA staff.
I first heard of Charlie Kirk and Turning Point USA many years ago as they began growing traction on the national stage alongside their online presence. Turning Point USA, the organization he helped start and lead, promotes free speech and conservative values on school campuses — including schools in Arkansas. I first met a TPUSA state director over four years ago and was very impressed by the thoroughness of his work. He went from campus to campus in Arkansas, leading and encouraging Turning Point groups, and he put great effort toward investing in young people all across the state.
In 2021, I was invited to speak at a TPUSA event at Ecclesia College in Northwest Arkansas and met dear friends that night. There again I realized how important the impact TPUSA was having on my state and the United States. I saw it as a countercultural movement that spoke truth into the next generation. That was who Charlie Kirk was. And that is why his loss hits so hard.
Another impact point for Arkansas is in 2017, our friends at Alliance Defending Freedom filed a lawsuit on behalf of a local Turning Point USA student chapter against Arkansas State University in Jonesboro after the university tried to restrict free speech on campus to sanctioned “free speech” zones. The university’s policy at the time reportedly restricted free speech to 1% of its campus.
The lawsuit prompted the Arkansas Legislature to pass Act 184 of 2019 — the FORUM Act — preventing public colleges and universities from infringing on the free speech of students and faculty on campus. Family Council was pleased to support that good law, but it might never have passed if Turning Point USA hadn’t taken a stand for free speech on campus.
The impact of Turning Point was due to its leader and the truth that he held onto. Charlie was a man of deep faith and he was outspoken about it. Not only that, he practiced his faith, leading his family by example. He led a nationwide movement that reached into the grassroots and impacted hearts and minds. We may never know the extent of his influence on this side of Heaven. But the great thing about Charlie is that he had his priorities straight. Charlie believed that God, family, and country, in that order, were of utmost importance. He fought for them, he lived for them, and in the end, he gave his life for them. We will never forget his life and the impact he made.
What are Christians to do when faced with such a tragic event, the loss of a voice like Charlie’s, and the fear to speak truth in the public square? It can be tempting to shut the door and hide away. I thank God that this movement and the church aren’t made up of people who back down when faced with evil. We face challenges head-on and continue to speak the truth into a violent and hostile world because Christ is our example and beckoning guide, and the great cloud of witnesses who have gone before are cheering us on.
Charlie Kirk’s murder is a heartbreaking tragedy. I ask all of you to join our team in praying for Charlie’s family and our nation.
Erin Hogan serves as Director of Government Relations for Family Council.
