Tributes have been pouring out from Christian pastors and evangelical leaders following the assassination of Christian political activist Charlie Kirk last Wednesday.
Kirk frequently travelled to college campuses, speaking with and debating audience members. He was at the first of his “American Comeback Tour” and talking to a member of the audience at Utah Valley University when he was shot in the neck and was later pronounced dead.
United States President Donald Trump announced his passing on social media, “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, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania’s and my sympathies go out to his beautiful wife, Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”
Kirk openly supported the Trump Administration, openly rejected the LGBTQ+ movement and abortion. He was also a Christian who professed his faith on different platforms.
At age 18, Kirk co-founded the non-profit organisation Turning Point USA, and the organisation has grown since then to over 250,000 supporters. He was also a best-selling author and media personality who hosted a daily three-hour show.
Evangelist Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, also lamented his death on social media.
“What a tragedy. It has been announced that Charlie Kirk has died after being shot during an event at Utah Valley University today. This young man loved his country and invested his time and energy in trying to make it the best it could be,” he wrote.
Pastor Greg Laurie of Harvest Christian Fellowship in California and Hawaii also stated, “This is an incredible loss. Charlie was such a courageous young man. He was not only a bold and unwavering voice for biblical truth in our culture but also a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, a husband, and a family man. He will be deeply missed. As shocking as this news is, we can take comfort in knowing that Charlie is now in Heaven.”
Pastor Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, also expressed his grief.
“Our hearts and prayers are with the entire Kirk family as we grieve the death of Charlie Kirk,” he wrote on social media. “We are deeply saddened by the news of this horrific shooting. In moments like these we remember the words of the psalmist, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
In addition, Utah Governor Spencer Cox has labelled the shooting as a targeted “political assassination”. He also condemned social media users who have openly celebrated Kirk’s death. “If anyone in the sound of my voice celebrated even a little bit at the news of this shooting, I would beg you to look in the mirror and to see if you can find a better angel in there somewhere,” he said.
“We desperately need leaders in our country, but more than the leaders, we just need every single person in this country to think about where we are and where we want to be. To ask ourselves, is this it? Is this what 250 years has brought on us?” Governor Cox pleaded.
A high-powered bolt-action rifle believed to have been used in the attack was recovered from nearby woods.
A suspect, identified as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, has also been taken into custody in Washington County, Utah, after reportedly confessing to killing Kirk.
Kirk leaves behind his widow, Erika Kirk, whom he married in 2021, and two small children.
