September 10  2025, conservative political activist, author, media personality, and co-founder of Turning Point, Charlie Kirk , died tragically at the age of 31. He was speaking to a large crowd at an outdoor debate held at Utah Valley University where he discussed the college students’ cultural and political views when a fatal shot was fired to his cervical area. There is footage of the alleged suspect, and a person of interest is now in custody. 

Not only are Kirk’s family and friends mourning the loss of the great man that he was, but so is America, including myself. It’s deeply saddening to know that he left this world in such a violent way and with so much hate. As someone who looked up to and admired Kirk, I not only find his assassination heartbreaking but the controversy surrounding his death. It feels as if the world is divided. With most of the opposing party being known as liberals disagreeing with Kirk’s beliefs and opinions, we find some referring from the situation and others celebrating his death. On the other side we have conservatives that largely agree with his views and are now grieving the death of a leader and advocate. Personally, I think that whatever your opinion on Kirk was, he was a human above his job, with people who loved and cared for him.

Kirk is leaving behind a beautiful wife and two young children. In the world we live in today empathy is not commonly found. Losing my father at a young age gave me insight on how important empathy really is. I see myself in the daughter that Kirk left behind. Just knowing and experiencing some of the struggles of growing up without a father is not something I would wish on anyone. It pains me to know that another kid had their father taken away from them too soon. No matter if you are conservative or liberal, disagree or agree with what Kirk had to say, he was an innocent human and he lost his life in a devastating way. Kirk lost his life doing what he was called to do.

Kirk could be described as many things. You may have loved him, you may have hated him, but he was more than just his view and beliefs. He was a husband, a dad, someone’s child, and a man of God. Charlie Kirk was a person, with the right of freedom of speech and because he did just that, someone decided to take his life. I pray that in a world with so much hate that we can be the change and spread kindness, love and unity.