In memory of Charlie Kirk (1993-2025)

The Virginia Institute for Public Policy tonight remembers Charlie Kirk, his beautiful wife Erika, and his young daughter and son who will grow up without a father’s loving care and guidance as a result of this senseless, cowardly assassination.

No idea may be stopped by a bullet. No debate can be silenced by the barrel of a gun. Nor will the defense of our great Constitution go silent for a moment. On that, Charlie, you have our word.

America finds itself in the grip of an epidemic of political violence; two attempts on the life of President Trump closely followed by the assassination of Charlie Kirk reminds us that we must hold the line, standing firm for the values on which our Founding Fathers built this great nation.

In countless senseless situations both before and since, we will always hear words such as “I didn’t always agree with his views, but political violence is always wrong.” The beauty of Charlie Kirk’s commitment to healthy, civil political discourse was that he embodied that principle as much in his life, as others now do in his death.

Charlie engaged with those with whom he disagreed; as a Christian who allowed his belief in Scripture to permeate his life and work, he took Jesus’ words that “they that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick” (Mark 2:17, KJV) to heart and prioritized discussions with those who opposed Christianity, who opposed liberty, and who opposed constitutional government.

May you receive the reward you so richly deserve, Charlie.

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.