Just a day prior to the tragic assassination, conservative activist Charlie Kirk reached out to Homeland Security Secretary Christie Noem. He wanted to discuss actions against state and local officials who were at odds with the Trump administration on immigration issues.
Noem, 53, later shared with columnist Miranda Devine that she didn’t come across Kirk’s message until after he had been shot at an event at Utah Valley University on September 10th.
“Charlie was truly remarkable. It pains me deeply to talk about it,” Noem reflected, recalling their connection.
She noted, “The last text he sent was a day before his death. He said, ‘We must take responsibility for these mayors and local officials for what they’re doing.'” It seemed he was deeply concerned about the ongoing consequences affecting the country due to illegal and criminal activities.
Kirk, 31, was fatally shot while engaging with students during the initial session of his fall “America Comeback” tour.
Authorities reported that 22-year-old Tyler Robinson fired the shot that struck Kirk in the neck from approximately 200 yards away.
On Tuesday, officials in Utah County officially charged Robinson with seven crimes, including aggravated murder and obstructing justice, stemming from this incident.
Noem expressed her sorrow, mentioning that Kirk’s death left behind a heavy sadness that many seemed to feel. “I don’t quite know why it affects me so strongly, but it seems to resonate with everyone,” she remarked.
Noem explained that she was traveling and had a meeting in a different time zone, which led to her missing Kirk’s last message. “It makes me feel sick because I was intending to respond positively,” she added.
In a recent discussion, White House Policy Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller stated that Kirk’s final message focused on dismantling radical left organizations to prevent violence. He pledged that they would carry out this mission.
Noem talked about how she and Kirk were introduced by long-time GOP supporters and investment expert Foster Fleece, an early backer of Turning Point USA.
Reflecting on the state of communication in the country, Noem said, “It feels like people have stopped talking to one another; instead, they are just shouting without listening.” She appreciated Kirk for his ability to engage in conversations with those who held opposing views, noting that this was a significant aspect of his character.
