We Have Reached Our Turning Point

Horrific.

Horrendous.

Senseless killing.

A political assassination.

Intentionally evil.

These are just a few of the words used to describe the brutal murder of Charlie Kirk on September 10, 2025. Turning Point USA—the organization Charlie founded—was holding an outreach event at Utah Valley University, intended to engage students in the political process. Instead, it became the scene of a tragedy: the assassination of a movement's leader.

I was at home when the news broke—an alert on my phone led me to Real America’s Voice, where The Charlie Kirk Show airs. The voices of the hosts, his colleagues and friends, were filled with grief and disbelief. They weren’t just covering a breaking news story—they were mourning one of their own.

Although I never met Charlie or heard him speak in person, this act of cowardice has been difficult to process. If you're anything like me, it feels as though we’ve lost a close friend. And we are not alone. The outpouring of support, both domestic and international, has been overwhelming.

I pray these words offer some measure of comfort and hope amid profound darkness.

Just hours before the shooting, Charlie’s wife, Erika, posted a message on X (formerly Twitter) that now feels heartbreakingly prophetic. She wrote about drawing strength from God—unaware of how soon and how deeply she would need to cling to that strength.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble.”
(Psalms 46:1 ESV)

Charlie’s message was rooted in faith, family, and patriotism. He loved the United States of America and believed deeply in open dialogue—even with his critics. He didn’t shy away from hard conversations; he invited them.

Two days after the tragedy, Erika Kirk addressed the nation with grace and power. Her full remarks can be viewed here. A portion of her statement is shared below:

“The evildoers who took Charlie's life have NO idea what they have done. If they thought my husband's mission was powerful before, they have NO idea what they have just UNLEASHED. Not just across this country... but in me. They have no idea the fire they've lit inside this wife. The cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry. The movement my husband built will not die. I refuse to let that happen. It will grow: Stronger. Bolder. Louder. Greater than ever.” - Erika Kirk

The tone of these words echoes the famous line attributed to Japanese Admiral Yamamoto in the 1970 film Tora! Tora! Tora!, following the attack on Pearl Harbor: “I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve.”

Point taken!

Charlie was a light shining in the darkness. It embodied that described in Isaiah 61 in that he was anointed to bring good news to the poor, the brokenhearted knew comfort, and captives released. He was not content on simply occupying a seat in a church. He lived his faith and his work became an outgrowth of it. From all I’ve seen and heard, Charlie's faith was deeply authentic. It shaped how he lived, how he led, and how he loved.

When asked what he would want to be remembered for if he lost everything, Charlie once said:

“I want to be remembered for courage for my faith. That would be the most important—the most important thing is my faith.”

When we hear the word martyr, we may think of distant lands or ancient times. But to face such a reality here, in America, is jarring.

Dictionary.com defines a martyr as a person who is put to death or endures great suffering on behalf of any belief, principle, or cause.

By this definition, Charlie Kirk was not just assassinated for his political stance—he was martyred for his faith and his convictions, which were inseparable from who he was.

On the day he was killed, Charlie wore a T-shirt with one word printed boldly across the front: FREEDOM. It was more than clothing—it was a declaration of his mission.

I can’t help but recall the story of William Wallace, the Scottish freedom fighter immortalized in the film Braveheart. When faced with torture or submission, Wallace chose to die for freedom. As his life ended, he shouted a single word that would echo through history: FREEDOM.

That same spirit lived in Charlie Kirk.

A seed has been planted—one that will grow, as Erika so powerfully stated.
We stand now at a crossroads, both in our nation and across the world.

Enough is enough. The time has come to reject violence as a response to disagreement.

The very name of Charlie’s organization—Turning Point—feels like a prophetic call for transformation.

We have reached our Turning Point!

And we believe that God will bring good from this tragedy. In fact, it has already begun.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” (Psalm 34:18 NLT)

As we all try to come to terms with what has happened, may God’s peace—which surpasses all understanding—comfort you.

Let us remember Charlie not only as a public figure but as a husband and father of two young children.

Please keep Erika and their family in your prayers.