On September 10, America took a collective gasp at the assassination of a very prominent figure in the political realm. Though not a politician himself, Charlie Kirk had made himself known through the founding of conservative organization Turning Point USA, and his debates on college campuses, arguing his conservative views with people across the political spectrum. Although his assassination occurred in Utah, its effects rippled across the country.
“He was committed to having conversations so we could better understand each other and keep our disagreements from getting violent. He was committed to sharing his testimony with others so they could share in the joy he found in his life through his faith,” Kelly Claar, a community member that attended the vigil said.
Millions have expressed their remorse online and at special events to honor Charlie Kirk, including a prayer vigil held in the Open Space of Downtown Traverse City. The vigil was hosted by TC Young Republicans and a Turning Point USA chapter from Northern Michigan University.
“So the vigil, it was really an opportunity for people to get together and just show some remorse but more importantly remembrance for Charlie Kirk. For people to get together, stand together, pray together,” Lauren Pauly, the president of TC Young Republicans said.
This intent seems to have gotten across to the individuals who attended the vigil. Claar came with her family to make sense of the chaos that had just occurred.
“My experience at the vigil was a feeling of community, sadness and peace. We sang songs and there were a few speakers that talked about Charlie’s life and mission,” Claar said.
This apparent longing for community didn’t just affect a few people. According to Pauly, the vigil held for Kirk in Traverse City attracted “2,000 plus” people.
“I think so many people showed up because I think everyone was not only shocked, most people were surprised, and a lot of people were angry by what happened, that a 31 year old, father, husband was assassinated because he stood up for freedom of speech. And I think a lot of people, regardless of what side of the isle you’re on, they see how awful and wrong that is, and that’s no place our country should be in,” Pauly said.
One such person who was shocked and angry at Kirk’s assassination is junior Mirabel Cole. Cole tends to fall on the conservative side of political issues and makes no excuses for violence.
“I literally think it’s horrible. No matter what, I don’t think that’s the proper answer to any issue out there. I think we still have freedom of speech, it’s in the [1st] Amendment. I know we also have freedom to bear arms but using it to that amount I think it’s very gruesome. I’m very against it. And I’m not just saying that because it’s Charlie Kirk, I would say that for anybody,” Cole said.
Across social media, there has been a portion of the population who have celebrated Kirk’s death saying he deserved to die because of his opinions. However, even when people are on opposite ends of the political spectrum, it is possible for some to find common ground by agreeing that Kirk’s assassination was wrong. Junior Erica Jones has seen clips of Kirk’s videos and tends to disagree with his political views.
“I don’t agree with saying he deserved it. I don’t agree with basically anything he said but I also think he did not deserve to be killed and I think those two things can be true at the same time,” Jones said.
Kirk’s main audience tended to be people like Cole and Jones: Gen Z. Similarly to the event where Kirk was assassinated, he would constantly tour the country’s college campuses to debate students on any topic they wanted. One would simply have to come up to the mic and ask a question.
“Charlie Kirk’s outlook on things, with actually going to schools and actually talking about politics, was teaching the younger generation about voting, which I think helped a lot. […] He also was basically an influencer in politics so I think it made more sense like that,” Cole said.
In the aftermath of Kirk’s death, Pauly has seen many conservatives with similar views to Kirk take it upon themselves to continue Kirk’s mission in spreading conservative values through civil debate.
“There have been thousands and thousands and thousands of requests for new Turning Point groups in different schools all across the country. And I mean I’ve seen clips of other young people, some in college themselves, setting up a booth, and doing just what Charlie Kirk used to do. They put up, […] a sign for some kind of issue, you know, in today’s world and sit there and let people come by and talk about it,” Pauly said.
This lifestyle can resonate with people who wish to break down the polarized divide in politics and society today. Such individuals like Claar are inspired by Kirk’s use of conversation to resolve issues and avoid violence.
“My hope is that people stand up for their beliefs and their faith by demonstrating them through how they live their lives and showing love and compassion for others,” Claar said. “The more we talk, the more we will find out how much we want the same things in life and break down barriers and stereotypes. It is possible to agree to disagree on many topics and still maintain a sense of community and friendship. You may not be able to convince someone to believe as you do, but if they don’t, it doesn’t mean you have to hate them.”
