(Picture credit Gage Skidmore)
One year since the conservative activist and leader was assassinated during a public event at Utah Valley University, conservatives in Nebraska and nationwide are paying their respects to the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk.
Kirk, the founder and executive director of Turning Point USA, was a prominent voice for free speech on American college campuses, and a highly influential figure for conservative youth through TPUSA’s extensive network of high school and collegiate chapters.
Governor Jim Pillen paid tribute to Kirk’s encouragement of civic engagement and participation.
“Charlie’s leadership has motivated young people to get into the game – to respect each other, but also to have their views heard. Democracy depends on it,” he said. “Charlie’s work will continue to serve as an inspiration to future generations.”
Senator Pete Ricketts also hailed Kirk’s influence on young voters.
“Charlie was a fearless voice for faith, freedom, and the principles that make America great. His impact on the next generation of Americans will not be forgotten,” he said.
Jase Maly, president of TPUSA at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, told The Plains Sentinel that Kirk stood for truth and fought relentlessly for free speech.
“Whether or not you agreed with his viewpoints, you have to admire him for standing up for his beliefs. This is why we continue to table and hold events on campus,” he said. “If we don’t stand up for free speech, who will?”
Congressman Mike Flood, a proponent of the type of town halls Kirk would host, praised Kirk’s contribution to open political discourse in America.
“Charlier Kirk devoted his life to engaging in open debate, advancing the conservative movement, and sharing his faith in the world,” he told The Plains Sentinel. “On the anniversary of his assassination, we should all remain committed to keeping open debate alive. Ideas should be met with ideas, not violence.”
Omaha council member GOP candidate for the House, Brinker Harding, also weighed in via Twitter.
“Charlie was a father, husband, and patriot who tirelessly defended faith and freedom.”
Ricketts and Harding both added that they continue to pray for his family, which includes his parents Robert and Kathryn, his widow Erika, and their two children.
Tyler Robinson, the man on trial for Kirk’s murder, had reportedly cited Kirk’s “hate” as rationale for shooting him, and bullet casings recovered with Robinson’s gun were engraved with messages such as “Hey fascist, catch.”
Last week the Utah judge allowed charges of aggravated murder against Tyler Robinson – potentially carrying a death sentence – to proceed to trial. Robinson has entered a plea of not guilty.
— Lewis Thune is a College Fix writing fellow with The Plains Sentinel.