Urgency for Free Speech After Charlie Kirk’s Assassination

The recent assassination of Charlie Kirk, a notable conservative figure and the founder of Turning Point USA, has intensified discussions around the necessity of safeguarding free speech on college campuses.

Kirk, who was 31, was tragically killed during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. He is survived by his wife, Erica, and their two young children.

Cameron Higby, a Seattle journalist and conservative influencer affiliated with Turning Point, is one of the individuals striving to honor Kirk’s legacy. He recently co-hosted a campus tour aimed at promoting Kirk’s ideals, with political commentator David Kite describing Higby as “fearless.”

“It’s crucial to show that conservatives, and people in general, aren’t afraid to express their beliefs publicly,” Higby explained.

As part of their grassroots effort, Higby and Khait set up a booth at Georgia State University, donning “Make America Great Again” hats. The following day, they held up Kirk’s sign and displayed a new message: “Men Can’t Be a Woman: Let’s Talk.”

Higby mentioned that the tour plans to expand to additional schools throughout Georgia and neighboring states, encouraging dialogue across differing viewpoints.

While many engaged respectfully with their booth, some were decidedly confrontational. A video clip circulating online captured one person accusing Kirk of being anti-LGBTQ and expressing a disturbing delight in his murder.

“It’s disheartening to witness such reactions, particularly from those who seem to lack a fundamental understanding of Charlie and justify his death,” Higby remarked.

Higby also noted that Turning Point USA might have awoken a “sleeping giant” after Kirk’s assassination, evidenced by the surge in interest for starting new campus chapters following his death—over 37,000 inquiries have been logged.

During a recent protest, tensions flared when some took Kite’s hat and shouted for their departure. Higby previously documented Antifa activities and recalled encountering hostile protesters at a vigil for Kirk in Seattle, where one man boasted about his support for Kirk’s murder.

Higby went on to describe his own violent encounters while covering protests in Seattle and Portland, including an incident where he suffered physical harm.

Despite facing opposition, he emphasized the importance of supporting Kirk’s family and noted that discussions in more liberal settings still reflect a resilient commitment to free speech.

“I believe Charlie encapsulated the foundational principles of this country,” Higby said. “He sought out opposing views and respected those who disagreed with him.”

“There’s a collective sadness because he represented what America stands for, and his life was cut short,” he added.