After Charlie Kirk: a Response to His Death and What Follows

A Legacy of Faith and Engagement

The tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, at the age of 31, has sent ripples of sorrow through the hearts of many from every generation – but especially Gen Z and Alpha. Tens of thousands of young people and others admired his bold voice and unwavering commitment to the Bible and conservative principles. Many also hated Charlie Kirk for their own reasons, many of which include his debate skills and fundamental disagreement with him. As a prominent activist, founder of Turning Point USA, and influential voice among young conservatives, his life was marked by a fervent dedication to engaging the culture with truth and conviction. His untimely death, a public assassination at Utah Valley University during a “Prove Me Wrong” event for his organization, leaves a country asking questions about our very soul as a nation. On the eve of the 250th anniversary of the country, his death and others in the news recently leave an unmatched ache in the decades since the 1960s and 1970s. His loss not only provides a void in the landscape of American political discourse, but moreover demonstrates how broken this discourse is. Yet, in this moment of grief, followers of Jesus Christ are called to reflect and to respond in a manner that reflects the hope of the Gospel and the call to love and civility.

A Brief History

Charles James Kirk was born on October 14, 1993, in Arlington Heights, Illinois, where he grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. From an early age, he developed a deep love for the country and displayed a keen interest in politics, volunteering as a teenager for the successful 2010 Senate campaign of Mark Kirk (no relation). After graduating from Wheeling High School, he briefly attended Harper College before choosing to forgo formal higher education to pursue his passion for conservative advocacy. In 2012, at the age of 18, he co-founded Turning Point USA with mentor Bill Montgomery, transforming a modest campus initiative into a national organization dedicated to promoting free-market principles and limited government among young people. Kirk’s influence grew rapidly as he became a leading voice in conservative media. He hosted The Charlie Kirk Show, a nationally syndicated radio program, and appeared frequently on conservative outlets, addressing major gatherings such as the 2024 Republican National Convention and the 2022 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). His books articulated his vision for a revitalized conservative movement. He played a pivotal role in mobilizing young conservatives to be bold on their respective campuses, to engage in political conversations, and to vote. His creative use of social media made him super popular among conservative young people. His organization, Turning Point USA, expanded to include Turning Point Action and Turning Point Faith, focusing on campus activism, youth engagement, and faith-based organizing. In 2021, Charlie was married to Erika Frantzve and leaves behind his wife and two very young children.

What Made Charlie Kirk Effective – from my opinion

Charlie Kirk’s life was marked by distinctive strengths that amplified his influence and reflected his calling. First, he was deeply committed to conversation, embracing dialogue as a means to challenge ideas and inspire change. His “Prove Me Wrong” events, held on college campuses across the nation, exemplified his willingness to engage directly with critics, fostering open debate in environments often hostile to conservative viewpoints. This commitment to discourse was not merely strategic but rooted in a desire to persuade and educate. He was committed to the Apostle Peter’s call to “always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (1 Pet 3:15). He certainly did not debate perfectly and occasionally drew appropriate criticism; however, his willingness and desire to create events where he invited everyone and anyone to come ask him a question was movement-creating. He often asked those who disagreed with him to get in the front of the line, which is just incredible.

Second, Kirk possessed an unshakable belief in the potential of Generation Z and Generation Alpha to shape the future. Through Turning Point USA, he invested in young people, challenging them to embrace conservative values and engage in the political process. An eternal optimist, he saw these generations not as lost causes but as vibrant, capable forces for renewal. He sought to help young people embrace patriotism, and more importantly, embrace biblical principles. Over the past decade, he lived what he taught. In many ways, he sought to live out Paul’s commendation to Timothy: “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Tim 4:12). He also challenged other youth to do the same. His vision for young people transformed countless lives and reshaped the conservative movement.

Third, Kirk’s commitment to the Bible as his ultimate authority undergirded all his work. His establishment of Turning Point Faith and his frequent references to Scripture in public discourse revealed a man who sought to align his thinking and debates with biblical truth. Often he would argue not from his own personal opinion or logic, but instead, he would point people back to the authority of the Bible. He viewed his efforts as part of a broader mission to honor God (Col 3:17). He was not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Rom 1:16). His social media accounts encouraged people to turn to Jesus, share their faith, and be active in church. He sought to inspire others to ground their lives in the Word of God.

Fourth, Kirk stood as a fervent pro-life advocate, championing the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death with unyielding conviction. Through Turning Point USA and its affiliated initiatives, he mobilized students and communities to oppose abortion, describing it unequivocally as murder and calling for its abolition nationwide. He addressed the Fifth National Pro-Life Summit in 2024 as a keynote speaker, earning the Defender of Life Award from Students for Life of America for his tireless efforts in engaging college campuses and political arenas with an unapologetic message of support for mothers and their preborn children. He served as one of America’s clearest and most passionate voices for life. He used his platform as a clarion call to defend the vulnerable in a culture that too often devalues the innocent.

How to Respond to His Death and the Future

In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s death, those of us who also love Jesus Christ are called to respond not with despair or vengeance but with faith, hope, and love, which, of course, is rooted in the promises of Scripture.

First, we rejoice that Charlie, a professed follower of Jesus Christ, is now in the presence of his Savior. The Apostle Paul reminds us, “We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord” (2 Cor 5:8). Our hearts ache for his family and those traumatized by his death. Yet, while we grieve his absence, we take comfort in knowing he is with Christ. We honor his life by celebrating his eternal reward. Jesus’ half brother James wrote, “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12).

Second, we must not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good. The violence that took Charlie’s life is a stark reminder of the brokenness of this world, yet Scripture calls us to resist the temptation to respond with hatred. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom 12:21). As those from every generation, let us reject bitterness and instead pursue righteousness. We need to pray for God to provide justice for this death, and  trust God to judge justly.

Third, we are called to keep the conversation alive with Generation Z and Generation Alpha. Charlie’s legacy of engaging young people must continue, as we equip them to stand for truth in a divided culture. As Proverbs 22:6 instructs, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” We need to step into the gap left for many. I was personally shocked by how many youth around me and in my own family knew and engaged Charlie’s online content – even those who disagreed with him or his methods. By engaging, mentoring, and encouraging the next generation, we honor Charlie’s vision and seek to advance the Gospel.

Fourth, we must commit to our part in fostering civility in the nation. In a time of heightened division, followers of Jesus Christ are called to be peacemakers. Jesus taught, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9). Further, the Apostle Paul added, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men” (Rom 12:18). Let us model civility in our words and actions, seeking to bridge divides and reflect Christ’s love in public discourse.

Finally, we are to pray for our neighbors and our enemies. Jesus commands, “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you” (Matt 5:44). Let us pray for our communities, for those who oppose us, and even for the perpetrator of this tragedy. We pray that God’s grace might transform hearts and bring healing to a fractured nation through this wickedness.

Conclusion

The death of Charlie Kirk is a profound and tragic loss, but his legacy of faith, courage, and engagement endures. In these moments as we reflect on his history and strengths, let us respond with the hope of the gospel, trusting that God is sovereign even in tragedy. May we honor Charlie’s life by continuing his mission to engage the culture, empower young people, and uphold the truth of Scripture, all while pursuing peace and praying for those around us. As we read in Proverbs, “The memory of the righteous is blessed” (Prov 10:7), and, prayerfully, Charlie Kirk’s memory will inspire us to press on in faith.