The blood of Abel cries out from the ground. / Envato Market
Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA and a stalwart voice for American conservatism, was assassinated Wednesday while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
Kirk was only 31 years old.
His tragic death shocked the nation, stirring overwhelming grief and condemnation from both sides of the political spectrum, along with a scant few on the left throwing blame, celebrating or otherwise showing their demonic influence. The manhunt for Kirk’s killer continues as law enforcement investigates what authorities have described as a “targeted attack”—a devastating and deliberate political assassination.
A Dark Day for American Democracy
At approximately 12:20 PM local time, Kirk was addressing a crowd of nearly 3,000 students at Utah Valley University—an event that was part of his “American Comeback Tour.” Witnesses recounted that Kirk was speaking about gun violence when a gunshot rang out. Footage and eyewitness reports confirm Kirk recoiled in his seat, blood visible on his neck, as panicked attendees ducked and then fled for safety. Kirk’s wife, Erika, and their two young children were present, but miraculously unharmed.
Utah law enforcement launched a rapid and exhaustive response, evacuating campus buildings and coordinating with federal agencies. Preliminary investigations revealed the fatal shot was likely fired from a building approximately 150 yards away—the shooter had selected a high vantage.
Authorities have not yet released a suspect as of the time of this publishing. Two individuals detained for questioning were eventually cleared and released. The search for the assailant remains ongoing, with the FBI and Utah Public Safety Department leading the multi-agency manhunt.
Conservative Voices Tribute — Some Voices Tear Down
The conservative community, deeply shaken by the loss of a beloved leader, has responded with humility, caring praise, and solemn condemnation of political violence.
President Donald Trump spoke openly of grief and admiration: “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me…Charlie, we love you!” Trump called for national unity, insisting that violence and hatred be banished from the public square. Flags were ordered lowered to half-staff nationwide; the Presidential family sent sympathies to Kirk’s widow and children.
Vice President JD Vance delivered a moving tribute, crediting Kirk as a vital influence in his early political life. “Charlie showed what fearless activism could accomplish…he introduced me to President Trump and gave thousands the courage to stand up for faith and family. We owe it to him to reject hatred, to answer opposition with truth and strength, never violence.”
On the other side, some voices on the left have shown their true colors. Gutter-minds Matthew Dowd and TMZ had vile things to say, and have been reprimanded for their outlandishly insensitive remarks, both by their employers and the public writ large. Some commentators draw a clear line between this hateful rhetoric constantly spewed by the left, and the uptick in violence in our country. The New York Post YouTube channel shared clips from Matthew Dowd’s disgusting comments on MSNBC for which he was swiftly fired promptly by the leftist network.
Another Trans Shooter?
Unverified but highly credible reports have emerged that shell casings recovered at the scene of Charlie Kirk’s assassination were engraved with messages expressing transgender and anti-fascist ideology. These claims surfaced after conservative commentator Steven Crowder released a purported ATF/FBI document on social media, describing the inscriptions allegedly found on multiple casings from the 30-06 rifle believed to have been used in the attack. Crowder’s leaked email, alongside corroborating coverage from conservative news outlets, details messages such as “Trans Rights Are Human Rights” and similar symbols, fueling speculation about the shooter’s potential motives.
EXCLUSIVE: This morning my team received an e-mail from officer at ATF.
The email included a screen shot from what appears to be an internal message describing a weapon and cartridges located by an ATF and other law enforcement near the scene of the Charlie Kirk shooting at… pic.twitter.com/UKtOUPY5DC
— Steven Crowder (@scrowder) September 11, 2025
While the national media has not reported this in any wide capacity, (and why would they?) and the ATF has not commented on it, local news stations have picked up the story. Given the history of American media, we won’t hold our breath that any outlets will. This draws us closer to the need to reexamine the trans ideology, and readdress or even redefine mental health, acknowledging that Transgenderism is still listed as a dysmorphia (a dysfunction of thought focused on incongruence in appearance) in the DSM V. With this in mind it should be no big departure from the norm to study it more sufficiently before subjecting our children to debilitating mental health disorder or worse: shooting up another school.
It is of note also to share that the question that was being asked of Kirk at the time the shot rang out, was one about transgenderism; leading some internet sleuths who haven’t left their mom’s basement in 5 years to believe that the question was some sort of signal to fire. Immediately following the shot, a video has been shared of the questioner leaping up and pumping his hands into the air in celebration. The veracity of that video has yet to be confirmed.
A Patriotic Conviction From Birth to Death
Charlie Kirk’s journey began at age 18 when he founded Turning Point USA, determined to mobilize and energize young conservatives marginalized on left-leaning campuses. He believed deeply in free speech, Christian values, and American identity. Kirk’s “Prove Me Wrong” debates—challenging progressive students in open, civil dialogue—became viral media sensations and inspired a new generation. His energetic style, sharp wit, and commitment drew both praise and fierce criticism.
More than 850 Turning Point chapters now flourish nationwide. Kirk helped elect Republican candidates and played a critical role in mobilizing support for Trump in the 2024 election, an achievement acknowledged by conservative leaders coast-to-coast.
Kirk was a son, husband, and father. Loved ones have described him as gentle and generous—quick with encouragement, slow to anger, earnest in faith. “He always found the good in people,” said his wife Erika, “and showed us every day how courage and kindness can coexist.” The outpouring of grief at vigils in Utah and across America underscores the depth of loss felt, not just by conservatives, but by those who respected Kirk’s commitment to the open exchange of ideas, regardless of political belie
Bipartisan Condemnation
Leaders of both parties, former presidents, and international allies condemned Kirk’s killing, denouncing political violence as an existential threat to democracy. Utah’s Republican governor, Spencer Cox, stated: “When someone’s life is taken for their ideas, the very foundation of our country is threatened. We must mourn, but also recommit to peace and dialogue.” Former President George W. Bush described Kirk’s murder as a cold-blooded attack on democratic ideals: “Violence must never be tolerated as a substitute for reasoned debate.”
Even critics of Kirk acknowledged the sanctity of free speech and the right to peacefully advocate diverse views. “We grieve for Charlie and deplore violence,” said Democratic Senator Joe Manchin. “America is strong because dissent is protected, not punished.”
An Enduring Legacy
Charlie Kirk believed passionately in the power of standing for principle, despite fierce opposition. At a time when many young Americans feel alienated from national politics, he offered a message of hope, conviction, and unwavering faith in the American experiment. The tributes echo a unified conviction: Kirk’s example must not be forgotten.
His family, Turning Point colleagues, and millions of admirers vow to continue his work—championing youth engagement, defending Christian values, and always choosing nonviolence. In Kirk’s own words from a viral campus debate: “Winning hearts is harder than winning arguments. Let us disagree, but let us remember—we are all Americans. That must always come first.”
“I want to be remembered for courage for my faith. That would be the most important thing. The most important thing is my faith in my life”
REJECT HATE
Conservatives have responded with humility, faith, and a call to reject hatred—not only in policy, but in spirit. At Kirk’s Utah vigil, candles flickered for hours as mourners exchanged stories and prayers. The final words at his memorial encapsulated the mood: “Political violence stops where love begins. Charlie would want us to build bridges, not walls.”
In these turbulent days, those who knew Charlie Kirk—and those only inspired from afar—can honor his legacy best by refusing to stoop to hatred or violence. The nation mourns a leader lost, but if we heed his example, freedom, respect, and peace may yet prevail.
This article is written with care and compassion for Charlie, Erika, and the thousands of people whose lives were touched or whose worldview was bolstered by Charlie’s strength and logos. He’s in the arms of the Lord today.
Rest in peace, Charlie.
