Moving Forward in America
by Senator Steve Green

By now I’m sure most saw what happened to Charlie Kirk a month ago. It was horrifying. It was hard to comprehend such a hateful action taking place in our country – a place that has prided itself on protecting the right to free speech. But now we’re seeing that’s under attack from within.

Whether you agree with his politics or not, Charlie Kirk did not deserve to be assassinated. No American should ever fear being silenced because of their political opinions. Yet that’s exactly what happened.

The events were tragic, but I wanted to highlight the light we’ve seen in the wake of such darkness.

For those who didn’t know a lot about him, Charlie Kirk was a political influencer. He went to college campuses with the intent to have open debates. He’d offer a microphone to anyone willing to talk about any issue, even if they were completely opposite of his beliefs. It led to some interesting discussions over the years, a lot of those circulating social media. He was a man of deep faith that guided his beliefs. He was also a husband and a father of two young children.

He created Turning Point USA. The organization would go to colleges across the country and Charlie would discuss political issues with college kids. That’s exactly what he was doing in Utah when he was assassinated. It was such a violent act. And it happened in front of students, faculty, and his children. To call it horrifying does a disservice to how awful the situation was.

We now know the shooter was involved with his “trans” roommate and said he had “had enough” of Charlie Kirk’s hatred. This is what happens when young people are consistently told that those who think opposite of them are dangerous. It’s scary. And it empowers them to harm others.

The information released makes it clear that Charlie Kirk was assassinated for his political beliefs. You would think we could all agree that it’s wrong and that no one should be silenced in such an evil way. Yet many have gone as far to claim he got what was coming. All because they didn’t agree with his politics. This is chilling. The foundation of our country is built on freedom of speech. And he was assassinated for exercising his. The reaction to this event in days that followed highlighted the good and evil that walk among us.

In the wake of tragedy, there have been a few bright spots. Vigils have been held across the country. In fact, Charlie had planned to come to the U of M in September. Instead of canceling the event, it was still held and it became a vigil. Over a thousand people attended. It was one of many throughout the state and country. Many continue to mourn his loss.

Because of this evil, we’re seeing a lot of young people turning to faith. We’re also seeing more people speak out and condemn the hateful rhetoric that led to his shooting. Many have taken to hiding their political beliefs, due to fear of something like this happening to them. Now people are being honest. And they’re speaking up. So, again, even in the midst of tragedy, there is a light of hope. I pray that our country and youth continue down this path.

We must condemn those who use hateful rhetoric to incite chaos and evil upon those they don’t agree with. The bottom line: no one should ever be assassinated for expressing their opinions, political or otherwise. We must do better.