The Assassination of Charlie Kirk

Back in the early 2010s, I was the spokesman for the Chicago Tea Party.

Part of my duties were to emcee our monthly meetings. At one of them, I introduced a young high school student to speak to our group who had started a young conservatives club at his school.

His name was Charlie Kirk.

Charlie would go on to transform that club into Turning Point USA. That organization would become one of the largest groups of young activists on college campuses nationwide. Kirk would regularly visit them to debate the young people who disagreed with him.

He practiced politics, and he practiced politics the right way—engaging those with whom he disagreed in debate. It’s the American way.

America’s Future was founded on the belief that every individual has limitless potential and that strong communities are built on intellectual humility, civic responsibility, collaboration, and respect for one another.

We believe viewpoints are meant for debate, not derision.

We welcome all peaceful people into civil conversations about how to unite our communities and build a free and prosperous tomorrow.

The assassination of Charlie Kirk is a tragedy that strikes at the very heart of civil discourse.

Political violence has no place in a free society. It threatens not only individual lives but the foundation of self-government and the future of liberty.

In this moment of grief, we hold Mr. Kirk’s wife, family, friends, and all who witnessed this horrific act—in person and online—close in our hearts.

We recommit ourselves to advancing a culture where ideas are exchanged without fear, differences are met with dialogue rather than violence, and every person is treated with dignity.

America’s Future will continue to champion civil debate, defend free expression, and foster the vibrant community necessary for a peaceful and prosperous tomorrow.