Charlie Kirk, whose young life was snuffed out by an assassin’s bullet Wednesday, was the very image of the “happy warrior,” a description associated with the late Ronald Reagan.
He left behind a beautiful, loving wife, Erika, and two cute, adoring children.
Charlie died doing what he loved best — exchanging ideas with left wing college students. Simply by asking questions and suggesting alternatives, he converted many to embrace America’s founding principles — individual liberty, a free market economy, and personal responsibility — the bedrock of conservatism.
He never browbeat, ridiculed, or resorted to name-calling during these conversations. That wasn’t Charlie’s style — he was, above all else, a man of faith.
Charlie was once asked what he wanted to be remembered for after his death.
“I wanna be remembered for courage for my faith,” he replied. “That would be the most important thing. The most important thing is my faith in my life.”
World leaders mourned Charlie’s death, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
“I am shocked by the news of the killing of Charlie Kirk, a young and followed Republican activist,” she said.
“An atrocious murder, a deep wound for democracy and for those who believe in freedom. My condolences to his family, to his loved ones, and to the American conservative community.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also offered his condolences.
“Charlie Kirk was murdered for speaking truth and defending freedom,” he said. “A lion-hearted friend of Israel, he fought the lies and stood tall for Judeo-Christian civilization. I spoke to him only two weeks ago and invited him to Israel. Sadly, that visit will not take place. We lost an incredible human being.”
Netanyahu concluded, “His boundless pride in America and his valiant belief in free speech will leave a lasting impact. Rest in peace, Charlie Kirk.”
Out own government is honoring Charlie more with action than words. Vice President JD Vance helped carry his body aboard Air Force Two for his final journey home in Phoenix, Arizona.
Upon landing, Air Force Two received this radioed message: “Welcome home Charlie, you didn’t deserve it. May God bless your family.”
President Trump promised to posthumously award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Charlie at a later date.
Charlie’s story is unique. in 2012, at the age of 18, when most young men are making plans for college, he founded Turning Point USA, a nonprofit organization, with the help of businessman Bill Montgomery.
Turning Point’s mission was simple: To introduce conservatism to students on college campuses — the breeding ground of far-left thought.
And TPUSA was seeing results. When voters were asked in an April Yale Youth Poll who they would support in the 2026 congressional elections, those aged 18 to 21, Charlie’s target audience, leaned Republican by 11.7 points.
Twitchy Managing Editor Sam Janney revealed a touching personal story on X, as well as in a Twitchy article — one that exhibited Charlie’s influence on today’s youth.
“My son is 18. He loved listening to Charlie Kirk. He was heartbroken to hear of Charlie’s death,” she began.
“But there was one thing I have to share that I know Charlie would love . . .
“One of my son’s closest friends is a Leftist who has said some crazy stuff in general. My conservative son has tried reasoning with him, debating him, but keeping his cool no matter what stupid thing his friend said. Today after the horrible news broke, his friend finally saw the reality of his own party, and they had the best conversation they’ve ever had.”
Janney concluded, “When he told me this I cried again because even in death, Charlie is helping young people figure things out.”
That was Charlie’s way of reaching young people — always in a respectful manner. Others would eventually see the truth, seemingly on their own.
It was for that reason that I sometimes imagined living long enough to see Charlie make his own run for the White House. Watching him own the presidential debate stage would have had me grinning from ear-to-ear.
But it wasn’t to be. Someone who couldn’t refute the truth that was in Charlie decided to eliminate him altogether. But what he didn’t understand was that by murdering Charlie Kirk, he unleashed thousands of more Charlie Kirks to carry on his mission — people like Sam Janney’s 18-year-old son.
And it’s already happening, according to Brandon Straka, founder of the #WalkAway movement.
“People are leaving the left in massive numbers today. My team and I are seeing it and hearing it everywhere — and getting countless testimonials,” he reported yesterday. “Let’s welcome those whose eyes have been opened by this tragedy.”
Charlie was taken from us far too soon. We were counting on decades more of his inmate wisdom, his patriotic voice and cheerful service, but it was not to be.
Charlie we hardly knew ye.
Michael Dorstewitz is a retired lawyer and is a frequent contributor to Newsmax. He’s also a former U.S. Merchant Marine officer and a Second Amendment supporter. Read Michael Dorstewitz’s Reports — More Here.
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