Charlie Kirk’s recent assassination hit me hard. Kirk had a profound influence on my life, and I never imagined his journey would be cut short for nothing more than doing what he loved most: having honest conversations.
When I began studying at Jacksonville State University in 2016, President Trump had just been elected, and Kirk’s work on college campuses was starting to make a real impact. I remember watching him debate far-left students all over the country. Even then, it was clear he had a gift, calmly dismantling arguments while showing genuine care for the very people challenging him. And no matter where he was, Kirk never left an event without sharing his love of Jesus.
I supported Trump in the 2015 Republican primary because I believed he was the leader America needed to save our country. But it was not until I saw Kirk and others like him taking the fight directly onto college campuses that I realized I had to step up too. Inspired by his courage and clarity, I helped re-found and build one of the largest College Republican chapters in Alabama. Together we worked to advance the same values Kirk championed: faith, freedom and family. We supported conservatives up and down the ballot, encouraging our classmates to join the cause.
Charlie had an extraordinary effect on me, my friends, and millions of others both in person and online. He was a true follower of Christ who lived his faith daily. That is why when I heard the news of his assassination, I was in disbelief. Like so many of you, I immediately stopped and prayed for him, his wife, and their children.
Most of us know America is not in a good place right now, and that is why we elected Trump (again). But Kirk’s death revealed just how dark things have become. The far-left did not mourn, they celebrated. Across social media, their reaction was pure hate, cheering his death and mocking the values he stood for. That kind of malice shows the sickness in our culture. Even worse, some far-left administrators in schools and universities are supporting efforts to silence conservative voices, while others work to erase his memory by disrupting memorials, attacking vigils, and threatening anyone who attempts to honor his life. Instead of debating with their constitutional right to free speech, they are trying to destroy the movement Kirk built with violence and force.
But despite so many on the left celebrating his death and trying to shut down his movement, millions of conservatives are still dedicated to praying for his family and standing up for our values. That kind of faith and resolve is exactly what we need to fight back, rebuild our communities, and safeguard our country.
Kirk inspired countless conservatives like me to stand up, fight for truth, and push back against the radical left. His assassination only magnifies his impact. Now is the time to get engaged in your community. Join an organization. Volunteer your time. Speak out against what is wrong. Whatever you do, do it with the courage and faith Kirk carried every day.
Let us honor Kirk’s legacy by working for everything he believed in. Our country is counting on us.
Jesse Battles is a small business owner from Etowah County who is active in the community and serves on multiple local boards. He is currently running for Alabama State Senate District 10.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to [email protected].
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