Charlie Kirk was someone I knew at Salem Media; we exchanged texts and emails, but we weren’t exactly best friends or anything. He’s the impressive founder of Turning Point USA, and his new book is dedicated to Dennis Prager, a major influence in his life.
Dennis faced a tough injury late last year but is making progress in his recovery. Just last week, Charlie visited him in the hospital. It’s touching to know that, even amid his grief, Dennis managed to share his thoughts online after the recent tragedy. He’s a towering figure in moral leadership, particularly for young men, and it’s clear why Charlie holds him in high regard.
If Charlie were Jewish, “sitting Shiva” might now be coming to an end. His strong connections with Jewish friends and his support for Israel would usually mean he’d be surrounded by love from the community during this time. It’s noteworthy that even beyond his usual supporters—like evangelicals and Catholics—many are reacting powerfully to this loss.
Young leaders mourn “The Godfather of Campus Conservatism” following Charlie Kirk’s assassination
Most people in the media recognize Charlie as a prominent supporter and political force for President Donald Trump. At Salem Media, he was seen as a rising star across various platforms. I find myself unsure about what lies ahead; the shocking assassination of dynamic, young leaders who just sought to promote the values of the Constitution and the gospel feels unprecedented in our republic’s history.
Turning Point USA is now stepping up, with young men and women rallying around Charlie’s legacy. It’s a sad commentary that his quest to uphold the principles of the Founding Fathers is perceived as a threat by some who prefer to impose their vision without debate.
“I truly hope that this assassination serves as a turning point for us as a society,” Amy Connie Barrett mentioned to me this week. Her thought echoed GK Chesterton’s writings about the importance of dialogue, and she warned against becoming insular to the point where we avoid engaging with opposing views. Charlie consistently sought to engage with others, defying that trend.
“When we engage with differing perspectives,” Justice added, “we become more captivated by ideas rather than torn apart by personal attacks.” That’s an important distinction, and verbal disputes can often escalate into something much uglier.
I first crossed paths with Charlie many years ago at Colorado Christian University, where I was invited to teach a two-week course on the basics of the Constitution and American history to high school students. Former US Senator Bill Armstrong was president of the university at the time, and he, along with Senator John Andrews, played a pivotal role in shaping that program.
That legacy continued with the new president of CCU, Eric Hogue, who brought students to a conservative summit in Denver each summer—full of inspiring speakers against the stunning backdrop of the Rockies. My background was primarily in teaching law students, so this was a new experience for me. However, I was eager to lead morning classes for those young high schoolers. Senator Armstrong even asked if I could spare some time for a young man starting a new project: Charlie, who was just 18 or 19.
When Charlie entered the room, I was taken by surprise. He immediately captured the attention of the students with his infectious enthusiasm for political engagement. It was extraordinary. He had a charisma that couldn’t be taught; it was just there. And he retained that quality throughout his journey.
Since then, I’ve followed Charlie’s growth as our paths intersected regularly, eventually leading him to Salem. I remember discussing him with a colleague at a seminar hosted by the Claremont Institute. Charlie soaked in everything Hillsdale University offered, showing a genuine eagerness to learn. He would often push me to continue discussions with Dr. Larry Arn, the university’s president. Charlie, being the classic autodidact, carved out his own path toward wisdom.
Today, Charlie has built a beautiful family, and with his leadership at Turning Point USA, he has been instrumental in fostering a new generation of political leaders. His work resonates across the country, creating a community much like the one formed by Hillsdale graduates. Those who establish strong institutions leave enduring legacies.
Allen Estlin commented that while Charlie may have only reached half the influence of someone like Rush Limbaugh, the movement he fostered has been powerful on campuses nationwide, something many might not recognize fully. The truth is that Charlie cultivated engaged and committed citizens who were passionate about their principles.
There are other vibrant young leaders in the mix—like Vice President Vance, Senator Tom Cotton, and Representative Elise Stefanik—who continue to pursue the ideals of the Constitution and religious freedom. Charlie’s influence will linger, reminding us of the importance of being active and engaged when it comes to governance. His time may have come to an end, but his legacy is clear: we won’t see his equal again.
