By James Fotis, President – The League for Sportsmen, Law Enforcement & Defense

The truth is no longer just debated — it is now met with violence.

Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, dedicated his life to educating young Americans — high school students, college students, and anyone willing to listen — about conservative values, the Constitution, and the principles that built our Republic. He was a tireless advocate for truth in an age of lies, a champion of freedom in a time when many seek to erase it.

And now, his voice has been silenced by an assassin’s bullet.

Charlie Kirk was on the road, courageously kicking off his “American Comeback Tour,” bringing his message of hope, faith, and freedom to a generation desperate for moral clarity. But that message — that unapologetic stand for truth — cost him his life. While police have taken a suspect into custody, it remains unclear whether the alleged shooter pulled the trigger or acted alone. What is clear is that Charlie Kirk was targeted for daring to speak boldly in defense of our nation’s founding ideals.

Charlie never preached violence. He never called for destruction or hate. He believed in the power of ideas — in persuasion over force, in conviction over chaos. Yet, in today’s broken political climate, where dissent is no longer tolerated and where speech is often treated as a crime, his commitment to truth made him a target.

Let this be a sobering moment for every American: we are a nation on the brink. When a conservative voice — no matter how prominent, peaceful, or principled — can be eliminated in cold blood, it should rattle the soul of our Republic. It tells us that we are more divided than ever before, and that we must now decide whether we will defend the ideals of free speech and open discourse or allow mob rule and political violence to consume us.

Charlie Kirk’s legacy will not be defined by how he died, but by how he lived.

His tireless work building Turning Point USA — one of the most effective conservative youth movements in American history — will continue. His belief that America is worth saving will be carried forward by the young patriots he mentored. And his unwavering faith in God and country will echo in the halls of every school, church, and statehouse where truth still matters.

Charlie, we grieve your loss, but we celebrate your life. You stood on the frontlines of the culture war, not with hate, but with love for this country and its people. You were unafraid. You were unshakable. May you rest safely in the arms of our Lord. And may we who remain pick up your torch and continue the work of restoring this great nation.

Your successes will not be forgotten.
Your voice will not be silenced.
And your sacrifice will not be in vain.

—
James Fotis
President
The League for Sportsmen, Law Enforcement & Defense