Faith, Freedom, and the Fight for Truth: Remembering Charlie Kirk

I struggled over whether to say anything because of how polarizing this has become. However, I would be remiss if I said nothing. I know that a great voice was viciously silenced. If I remain silent, it would be simply because others do not have the decency to acknowledge the weight of what has happened. 

On September 10, 2025, just one day before the nation bowed its head to remember the tragedy of 9/11, another seismic loss shook the American conscience. Charlie Kirk, husband, father, founder of Turning Point USA, and unapologetic champion of faith and freedom, was assassinated while speaking to students at Utah Valley University. He was 31. 

His death, described by Utah Governor Spencer Cox as a “political assassination,” has left a void in the conservative movement and a generation of young thinkers grieving the loss of a mentor who dared them to question, debate, and believe. 

A President’s Tribute 

In a solemn address from the Oval Office, President Donald Trump honored Kirk’s life and legacy: 

“Charlie inspired millions, and tonight, all who knew him and loved him are united in shock and horror. Charlie was a patriot. He devoted his life to the cause of open debate. He loved the United States of America so much. He fought for liberty, democracy, justice, and the American people. He’s a martyr for truth and freedom... Charlie was also a man of deep, deep faith. We take comfort in the knowledge that he is now at peace with God in heaven.” 

The President ordered flags across the nation to be flown at half-staff until sunset on September 14. This gesture speaks not only to Kirk’s national impact but also to the spiritual weight of his passing. 

Faith, Family, and the Power of Conviction 

Charlie Kirk wasn’t a provocateur as many of his critics claimed. Beneath the viral debates and fiery retorts was a man anchored in daily spiritual discipline. He prioritized scripture study. He practiced Sabbath rest. He often expressed his desire to lead young people toward “a more virtuous, deeper existence.” He once said: 

“I’m nothing without Jesus... I fall incredibly short of the glory of God. But I gave my life to the Lord in fifth grade, and it’s the most important decision I’ve ever made”. 

His faith walk is truly something that many Christians can only hope to attain to. A true apologist for the faith. His mission was not merely political; it was pastoral. He wanted students to return to church. He wanted them to marry and raise families. He encouraged them to live lives of purpose rooted in truth. His conservatism was not angry; it was aspirational. And his Christianity was not performative; it was personal. 

A Legacy Remembered by the Youth 

Across campuses and social media, young conservatives have poured out tributes. Many credit Kirk with awakening their political consciousness, restoring their faith, and giving them the courage to speak boldly. One student wrote: 

“He snapped me out of it. He opened my eyes to the truth. He showed me that so much of what I was being fed were lies. He taught me to love my country again. He encouraged me to stand for my values. He told me to never be ashamed of what I believe”. 

Kirk’s influence wasn’t just ideological, it was incarnational. He showed up. He listened. He challenged. And he loved. 

The Timing: 9/11 and Rosh Hashanah 5786 

That fact that Charlie Kirk’s death came on the eve of 9/11 is no small detail. Twenty-four years ago, America was wounded by terror. Today, we mourn another act of violence. This time, it was aimed at a voice who believed in healing through dialogue, not destruction. 

Rosh Hashanah 5786 is beginning. The Jewish New Year invites us to reflect on repentance and renewal. It also calls us to ponder the sovereignty of God. In Jewish tradition, the shofar sounds to awaken the soul—to call us back to truth, to justice, to mercy. 

This tragedy has come just days before such a solemn occasion. It’s my hope and prayer that we are reminded how much we need to repent. We should rethink our approach to senseless acts of violence. We must reconsider how we respond to it. 

Charlie Kirk’s life was a kind of shofar. Loud. Uncompromising. But always aimed at awakening. 

His death, so close to these sacred days, reminds us that the battle for truth is not just political—it’s spiritual. And the legacy we leave is not measured in likes or votes, but in lives transformed. 

In the days leading up to Rosh Hashanah, I plan to share some thoughts. These thoughts will be on the significance of the Hebrew year 5786. I will discuss how it plays into being a voice in this season. Until then, I want to conclude this tribute to Charlie. I honor his commitment to speak boldly, courageously, and fearlessly. He spoke without wavering. He was not moved by the faces of those who challenged him or even taunted him. May we all learn something from his life and carry on the legacy of non-violent dialogue and discourse.