September 10, 2025

Honoring Charlie Kirk: Faith, Freedom, and the Cost of Rhetoric

 

Today, America lost a good man. Charlie Kirk, founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, died after being shot during a campus event at Utah Valley University. He was 31 years old. He leaves behind his wife Erika Frantzve, their children, and a movement built on faith, freedom, and the belief that young Americans deserve a voice.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 5:10

Kirk was speaking under a tent, answering questions about gang violence, when a single bullet struck him in the neck. Despite immediate medical attention, he died later that afternoon. The shooter remains at large.

watercolor rendering of Charlie Kirk, 9-10-25 Ai created by Susang6


 A Christian Man with a Mission

Charlie Kirk was more than a political figure. He was a Christian, a husband, a father, and a mentor to thousands of young people who felt unseen in today’s cultural climate. His faith was not performative it was foundational. He often spoke about the importance of knowing God, building strong families, and living with purpose rooted in Christ.

“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” — Joshua 24:15

His wife Erika described their shared mission as one of “ministry, leadership, and evangelism,” and Kirk himself posted about the joy of teaching his daughter to know God. For Charlie, Christianity wasn’t just a belief system it was a call to action.

 The Rhetoric That Fuels Violence

This tragedy didn’t happen in a vacuum. It happened in a country where elected officials routinely use language like:

  • “Trump supporters are a threat to democracy.”
  • “He has to be eliminated.”
  • “Put a bullseye on him.”
  • “Confront them in public.”

These aren’t anonymous trolls. These are leaders. And while they may claim metaphor, unstable individuals don’t process metaphor they act on perceived permission.

“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” — Proverbs 18:21

The trickle-down resentment aimed at President Trump and his supporters has created a climate where violence feels justified. Where disagreement becomes dehumanization. Where faith becomes a target.

 What Turning Point Stood For

Founded in 2012 when Kirk was just 18, Turning Point USA grew from a garage startup into one of the most influential conservative youth organizations in the country. Its mission: to promote freedom, faith, and limited government on high school and college campuses.

TPUSA built a network of students, hosted thousands of campus events, and created platforms for young conservatives to speak boldly. Kirk’s podcast, media appearances, and campus tours reached millions of viewers, and his content generated over 15 billion views in 2024 alone.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” — Romans 12:2

He didn’t just build a brand he built a movement. One that challenged indoctrination, encouraged debate, and gave students permission to think critically in environments that often-punished dissent. 

 It’s Time to Stop

This is not just a moment of mourning it’s a moment of reckoning. Our government must learn to work together for the greater good of its people and country. Until that shift occurs, the cycle of division and violence will continue. It is not enough to condemn violence while ignoring the language that fuels it.

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.” — Ephesians 4:31

"Hate creates hate. And it trickles down."

It’s time to bring down the noise. It’s time to stop.

 Author Disclaimer

This post was written by Susang6, a voice-centered writer, product designer, and community advocate based in Missouri. Writing under a pen name to protect personal privacy, Susang6 documents patterns of disruption, emotional truth, and civic accountability through firsthand observation and citation-rich storytelling. All opinions expressed here are grounded in personal research, public records, and lived experience. Susang6 does not speak for any political party or institution only for the clarity that comes from watching closely and refusing to look away.

 Author Reflection

As the author of this post, I write not from partisanship but from lived experience and civic concern. The escalating rhetoric aimed at President Trump and his supporters has reached a level that no longer serves dialogue, democracy, or public safety. When political discourse becomes saturated with hostility when phrases like “eliminate,” “threat,” or “bullseye” are used casually by elected officials it creates a dangerous emotional climate. That climate doesn’t just stay in headlines. It trickles down.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18

Violence doesn’t begin with weapons it begins with words. Hate, when repeated and amplified, breeds more hate. And when unstable individuals absorb that language without context or restraint, the consequences are real, immediate, and often irreversible.

Our government must learn to work together not for party dominance, but for the greater good of its people and country. Until that shift occurs, the cycle of division and violence will continue. It is not enough to condemn the outcomes while ignoring the emotional fuel that drives them.

It’s time to bring down the noise. It’s time to stop.

Susang6
Voice-centered writer, observer, and advocate for emotional clarity in civic discourse

 Rhetoric from Democratic Leaders

These sources document the escalating language used by prominent Democrats especially the “bullseye” comment and calls to “eliminate” Trump:

  1. 🧨 President Biden’s “bullseye” remark
    Biden told donors in a private call: “It’s time to put Trump in the bullseye.” He later admitted it was a mistake.
    Fox News – Democrats have repeatedly used violent rhetoric
  2. 🗣️ Rep. Dan Goldman: “He has to be eliminated”
    Goldman made this statement in a televised interview, later walking it back.
    Newsweek – Democrats Must Stop Their Violent Rhetoric
  3. 🔥 David Plouffe: “He must be destroyed thoroughly”
    A senior Harris advisor escalated the tone with this quote.
    Donald J. Trump Newsroom – Democrats’ Rhetoric Inspired Attempt

 

 Charlie Kirk’s Christian Faith & Turning Point USA Legacy

These sources confirm Charlie Kirk’s evangelical Christian beliefs, his founding of Turning Point USA, and the organization’s national impact:

  1. ✝️ Charlie Kirk’s Christian identity and ministry focus
    Kirk described Christianity as the foundation of Western civilization and built TPUSA with faith at its core.
    Christian Educators Academy – Is Charlie Kirk Really a Christian?
  2. 🏛️ Turning Point USA’s founding and growth
    Founded in 2012 at age 18, TPUSA now has over 850 campus chapters and 250,000+ student members.
    MSN – What Is Turning Point USA?
  3. 🎙️ Charlie Kirk’s role as a Christian political voice
    Kirk promoted conservative activism as part of Jesus’ calling and rejected the separation of church and state.
    NBC News – Charlie Kirk and Christian Nationalism

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