A statement from Dr. Robert McClure:
A beloved husband, father, and son has been taken from his family, and from America, because he was a bold voice for freedom. I met Charlie when he first started Turning Point USA. He was confident in his mission. Over the years, we were at conferences and on panels together.
Charlie never shied away from questions about faith, politics, or philosophy. He built his entire following by engaging in civil discourse in the public square, oftentimes, with people with whom he disagreed, and he did it as a Happy Warrior. He was doing exactly what many of us, me included, have taught our children to do — stand up for what you believe in, don’t follow the crowd, live with conviction, be respectful.
Charlie stood for the freedom to speak, to debate, and to disagree. His assassination is an assault on every American’s right to free speech without fear of retribution for our beliefs. And this right is the cornerstone of our Republic. We must, as Americans of all political views, come together to settle disagreements with civil debate and discussion, not violence.
“If you believe in something, you need to have the courage to fight for those ideas – not run away from them or try and silence them.” — Charlie Kirk
The James Madison Institute remains resolute and focused on our principles, as well as our vision for this great country. As our Founders intended, we will continue to engage with students on college campuses about the time-honored ideals that have animated American life since our nation’s beginning. And we will continue to be an organization that promotes free speech — for all Americans.
Charlie Kirk showed us what it was like to defend truth with both courage and compassion. Our prayers are with his family. His death is a horrible tragedy, but it need not be in vain. Rest in peace, my friend.
