On September 10, 2025, Charlie Kirk was shot and killed while speaking at a Turning Point USA debate event, “The American Comeback Tour,” on the Utah Valley University campus.
These debates were what made Kirk famous as a conservative leader and political activist. He first gained national attention on college campuses with his signature “prove me wrong” table—inviting open debate from anyone willing to sit down.
Tragically, Kirk was killed doing exactly that. Moments after answering a student’s question, he was struck in the neck by a bullet. The irony is chilling: his last exchange happened to be about mass shootings in the United States.
In the wake of this violence, community leaders, political figures, and conservatives from New York and beyond reflected on Kirk’s death, what it symbolizes, and what it means for the future of political discourse in America.
Chairman of the Bronx Conservative Party Patrick McManus:
“Time and again, conservatives are vilified in the media as the violent ones. Yet time and again, it is the liberals who have systematically shown their true colors—while the media finds ways to twist the narrative in their favor.
Charlie Kirk was a man of conviction. He created a space for open debate and helped launch a movement that few will ever achieve. His loss is great, and it is deeply tragic that it came in such a way.
To see it happen so publicly, and then to watch it pushed so widely to fit a negative narrative, tells us a lot about the times we are living in. But I am confident we will come back stronger, because of men like Charlie Kirk.”
Chaplain James Washington Ward:
“I believe nobody should lose their life sharing their beliefs.
Charles was very passionate in what he believed and spoke about, and my deepest condolences are always with his family, friends, and loved ones. This is another senseless act of violence. Gun violence needs to stop. Violence needs to stop. We are only one humanity. We only have one planet. It is time for us to cut the hate and spread love.”
District Leader for the 78th Assembly District Emmanuel Findlay, Jr.:
“We have all witnessed the disturbing events surrounding Charlie Kirk. Regardless of whether you agree with his politics, his expressed desire was to sit down and have a conversation—to listen, to understand the reasoning behind differing conclusions.
Yet, in today’s climate, it has become all too common to meet disagreement with violence. This is not the American way. Every day in our cities, we see the same tragic pattern: a disagreement escalates, a gun is drawn, and a life is lost. Whether it’s over gang colors, politics, or a perceived slight, the result is the same—senseless death.”
Candidate for NYC City Council District 18 Wilfredo Hierrezuelo:
“Charlie Kirk was more than a political figure—he was a force who reshaped how young people engaged with conservative ideas in America. At just 31, he built Turning Point USA into a national movement, bridging Gen Z with politics at a scale rarely seen. His work sparked passion, debate, and even protest, but above all, it proved the power of youth in shaping the future of this country.
His passing is not just a personal tragedy but a political one, as his voice influenced millions and will continue to echo for years to come. My thoughts are with his loved ones and with the many young people who saw in him a leader, a fighter, and an inspiration.”
Candidate for NYC Council District 15 Gary Lutz:
“I’m saddened by the recent death of Charlie Kirk. It’s unfortunate we live in a world where common sense is dying and we are not allowed to disagree or have another point of view. Whether you like a person or not, it is never an excuse to use violence unjustly. Many people have family and loved ones. They are all human in the end. It’s unfair to use violence just because we like or dislike someone, or something that is different from many others. Hate has become too rampant and very unnecessary. People must really think before acting. Rest in peace to Mr. Kirk.”
Committee Councilwoman Zenobia Merced-Bonilla:
“With grave disappointment and utter disgust, I was for a moment embarrassed to be known as an American. The assassination of Charlie Kirk was an unfortunate act of violence and ignorance. I am a proud Latina conservative from the South Bronx, but yesterday’s actions almost made me want to bow out of politics altogether. Shame on the coward turned murderer for what they have done. Kirk was a husband, father, child of God, and he provided an educational service to the American people. For that, I will definitely not step away from politics, no matter how small or large my contribution may be, for my fellow Americans.
Shame on those who have made a mockery of Kirk’s death as well. May they all remember that one day they will kneel before the Almighty!
May Charlie Kirk rest in everlasting peace and may his legacy live on.”
78th Assembly District Leader in the Bronx Conservative Party and Former Assistant State Director of BLEXIT New York Dion Powell:
“Personally, I was never interested in meeting the man, but I do love the fact that he did the work in developing an entity to continue his vision of supporting young conservative thinkers. One of my young BLEXIT New York members was bullied at York College here in the city for being a young Black conservative. Thanks to Kirk’s work, students like her across the country from all races have now found each other with a purpose.
Now, sadly, these young and future leaders have a martyr they can point to when asked the question, ‘Is this pro-American conservative movement worth dying for?’ Their answers will be a resounding ‘YES.’”
Political Commentator Michael “Vass” Vasquez:
“The loss of Charlie Kirk is tragic on many levels—for his fans and friends, his wife and children, and for America as a whole. Like Gandhi and Dr. King, Kirk died for sharing his voice and ideas—the bedrock of the Constitution and our nation. The lasting memory of Kirk won’t be the cowardly violence that took him from us, nor the reveal of some who took glee in his passing, but that the power of words is beyond any bullet or political party. Kirk embodied why the First Amendment is so important, and why we must continue to speak to preserve freedom.”
Candidate for Congressional District 14 Diamant Hysenaj:
“As a father of two young children and a devoted husband, the news of Charlie Kirk’s assassination left me shell-shocked. It’s a profoundly sad day in America—especially on the eve of 9/11—when a brilliant and devoted young man was cruelly taken from his loving wife, his children, and the millions of followers he inspired. His wife will now walk through life without him by her side, and his children will grow without their father. We hold him, his family, and his children close in our prayers.”
NYYRC Hispanic Caucus Chairman Pedro Acosta:
“Charlie Kirk was, first and foremost, a man of God who dedicated his life to spreading the word of Jesus Christ. He exemplified what it truly means to be a Christian, always putting his faith before anything else. His political views came second to his devotion to Christ, and everything he did was rooted in that foundation.
We pray for his family and friends, especially his wife and children, during this difficult time. This is a moment we will never forget. We will honor his legacy and the profound impact he had on the conservative movement.
God bless Charlie Kirk and his family. God bless America.”
Active Duty Army Member Kelli Ernst:
“We honor the memory of Charlie Kirk, whose passion, voice, and dedication left a lasting impact on countless lives. May his legacy continue to inspire, and his spirit live on in the hearts of those who knew and admired him.”
Political Strategist Isaiah Vega:
“He was a wonderful man who addressed objectors with civility in public forums. I pray that political violence not only decreases in our country, but that Kirk’s death is not wrongfully used to push nefarious agendas by bad actors.”
Community Leader Melinda Mihajlov:
“The political assassination of Charlie Kirk yesterday is a true reflection of the sad state of our country. I ask that you pray for his wife, his two young beautiful children, and all his family and friends.”
Frank Spotorno:
“Today, on the anniversary of 9/11, I am disheartened to see people on Facebook stating that Charlie Kirk deserved to die. Ironically, these individuals claim to worship a deity. I wonder if their deity is our creator or the devil himself, as I believe that anyone who genuinely follows our creator’s teachings would not harbor such disgusting views, opinions, and comments about Charlie Kirk’s assassination.”
President of the New York Young Republican Club Stefano Forte:
“Many of us have the same question on our minds: what comes next? When President Trump was shot in Butler, the first three words that came out of his mouth gave us the answer: ‘fight, fight, fight.’ That is our mandate.
We are all Charlie Kirk now.
If one of our most mainstream, influential voices could have his life so brutally cut short, any one of us could be a target. Though we must stay vigilant, we must never bend, and we must never break. This Club will remain unapologetically at the forefront of the movement that Charlie inspired in so many of us, and in doing so, we will prioritize the well-being and safety of our members.”
As the Trump movement continues to push forward, conservatives remain under intense scrutiny. This assassination is the latest example, but many fear it will not be the last.
The voices we spoke to were clear: their sentiment was heartfelt, their resolve unwavering. Some expressed grief. Others spoke of determination. Many made it clear they are ready to continue where Kirk left off.
Only time will tell what comes next.
Featured image credit: DepositPhotos.com
