Free speech the target of Charlie Kirk killer

Many more individuals now know who Charlie Kirk is than they did not so long ago. Not for his life. Not for his defense of his faith, American Constitutional values, freedom or truth. His life splashed across the media because of his sudden and for his horrific death from a sniper’s bullet.

Why was it so important to end his life? He was a good man, a faithful husband and loving father. Yet the shooter was so callous as to end Charlie’s life in front of not only a gathering of college students, but also in front of his wife and young children. They will never be able to unsee their awful experience and the horror they witnessed.

Again Why? He was not a thief, or rapist or a criminal who needed to be brought to justice. He was not a terrorist who tried to bring down America with savage violence or bombs. No. Charlie Kirk was a man who loved God and loved his country. He also loved people and had a heart for college students.

He didn’t go around preaching while living a life of luxury—claiming one thing while living another. He died for advocating the right to free speech. Get that. Charlie Kirk died that you and I didn’t have to hide our knowledge, thoughts or opinions.  

There was a microphone at his gatherings where anyone and everyone were encouraged to share their thoughts regardless of what those thoughts and opinions were. Charlie either agreed or countered with his knowledge and wisdom. This was discourse. This was and should always be allowed in America—the open exchange of ideas.

The shooter could have made other choices. The shooter could have aired his side at the microphone. Instead, he let anger build and convinced himself that Charlie’s point of view needed to be permanently silenced. A shot from 200 yards isn’t a spontaneous act. This murder took time and careful planning. He achieved his goal. He silenced a good man who’d nothing wrong but advocate not only for his right to share his views, but also the right of all those who used the microphones at his gatherings.

The shooter didn’t only stop Kirk, he silenced all those now afraid to speak out. The scary thing is way-too-many college students and others applauded this murder. They, too, sided with a murderer because, whatever they may say, they don’t truly believe in tolerance or the right of someone to hold a different point of view from their own. Furthermore, they believe murder is justified, which is even scarier. Many who applauded will say they are for gun control. Unless of course it encourages their point of view.

We must not let those who applauded this attack win. We must not let this murderous attack silence open discourse. Charlie Kirk spoke for his faith and conservative America. It is time we spoke for ourselves. Know what you are talking about. Learn to speak with respect, sharing without disrespecting another’s view. 

Pray not only for Charlie’s family, but also for the shooter. Don’t let his anger become your own. Don’t play the blame game. Don’t go down his path of destruction.

May your voice and mine lift up not tear down. (Yes, there must be consequences for the shooter’s actions and those who are verbally applauding this action.) That said, may we have the courage to speak out with God’s love, forgiveness, hope and light. 

Free speech doesn’t need to be buried with Charlie Kirk. If we stand together and stand up. No one else needs to die. 

© 2025 Carolyn R Scheidies

Published by Kearney Hub 9/20/2025

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