The heartbreak is immeasurable. Charlie Kirk was not only a devoted Christian, a loving husband, and a proud father—he was a fearless defender of Life and truth in a world that often rejects both. 

Many of us at Students for Life of America (SFLA) had the privilege of working alongside Charlie and his incredible team at Turning Point USA (TPUSA). Together, we stood shoulder to shoulder in the fight for what is right. Charlie’s unwavering commitment to truth lit a fire in all of us, and his presence was a source of strength in the darkest moments. 

The shock of his passing has left us reeling. In our grief, we’ve found comfort in sharing stories: memories of Charlie’s kindness, his brilliance, and the way he made each of us feel seen and valued. His impact wasn’t just professional—it was deeply personal. 

Charlie’s legacy will live on in the lives he touched, the hearts he inspired, and the movement he helped shape. We mourn, we remember, and we recommit ourselves to the cause he championed so fiercely. 

Amid mourning, read these heartfelt tributes about Charlie’s legacy. We will be hosting a Prayer Service tonight, Thursday, September 11, at 7 PM EST with Kristan Hawkins, the Students for Life team, our Spiritual Advisor, and our student leaders. We welcome anyone who would like to join us in prayer.   

JOIN HERE 

Tributes  

I first met Charlie when I was a freshman in college. I volunteered as a student to help him run his tour. He was so kind and intellectual. He has been a pivotal force in the pro-life and conservative movement. I shared with him when I was president of my College Republicans chapter that I had been called a white supremacist with friends online when photos circulated of us attending a Trump boat parade. He told us to continue being ourselves and being bold, because we are clearly doing something right. I’m forever grateful for his contributions within the pro-life movement (including getting through to Trump to change his stance on Florida’s Amendment 4) and showing what courage looks like. There was so much hate today when we were on campus with Kristan. I pray for light in this dark world—sad day.  

– Mary-Logan Miske, Western Regional Manager  

Charlie Kirk was a true representation of a man of God. Truly a warrior for Christ who showed what it meant to be a man. He was strong, confident, and brave, but he was caring and tender when necessary. He is someone every young man should look to as a modern-day representation of true masculinity. He was a true motivator, a go-getter, and he always pointed people in the direction of light and life.  

– Jackson Lewis, Mid-Atlantic Campus Formation Coordinator  

Charlie Kirk is the reason I am so conservative. He articulated so clearly why conservative policies are compassionate and just. He treated people with such dignity, even while destroying their arguments. There is a video of him changing his mind about the use of ASL on the news when someone explained to him why it’s important to the deaf community. It’s one of the most humble things I have ever seen a public figure do.  

He was such an open and faithful follower of Jesus and preached the Gospel to students on campus. He has been such an inspiration and encouragement to me as I fight the good fight on campus. I always wanted to meet him, and I look forward to meeting him in heaven.  

– Rachel Nesmith, Capital Regional Coordinator  

Charlie Kirk is one of the reasons I am with Students for Life. It is inspiring people like him and Kristan Hawkins, whom I have watched diligently for years, that have inspired me to do more and be more. He was fighting for what was right and being a well-spoken, educated voice amongst so many voices that only wanted to argue hate towards each other. People like him inspired me to have a voice and to stand for what I believe in. I was never able to meet him and thank him for being an example and giving me the courage to make such a big change in my life.  

– Cailey Difulco, Southern Campus Formation Coordinator   

Be not afraid. No weapon formed against you will prosper. We continue to fight. All battles have casualties, and we pray none are in our camp, yet we don’t know the plan of God. Charlie is a martyr for Truth, and that courage is why many of us loved him. May we all have his courage, his conviction, and his love of God and neighbor, including those who disagreed with him.  

– Stacie Ferry, Finance Coordinator   

Like many members of Gen Z, I was first introduced to politics through the internet. Charlie Kirk struck me as a thoughtful man who saw politics as a way to address the real evils of the world. Through open dialogue. Through honest conversations. Through spreading Christianity, the love of God, and the love of our fellow man.  

A love that cares enough to look someone square in the face and tell them that they’re wrong, but also tell them that you still love them.  

I was inspired by him then and am inspired by him now. The world is worse off now that he is gone, and I pray I will have the privilege to meet him in heaven.  

Pray for him, his widow, and his two young children. Lord, have mercy.  

– Rebekah Keith, Appalachian Regional Coordinator  

As a man on campus during the Cancel Culture era, Charlie was a voice for me to help me step up to become the witty quip on campus. He helped phrase things that I knew were in my head, but I wasn’t able to form them into words.  

Charlie also showed me what it meant to be an outspoken Christian man on my college campus, and to speak up for those who were afraid to speak up for themselves, and what was right, not just in the eyes of men, but also God.  

Charlie not only influenced my campus experience but also my personal one. He showed me how to be a father in this world that we work in, and how to balance that life between activist and shepherd to my family.  

I had the opportunity to speak with him briefly at the summit, where I introduced myself and talked about how I worked with DeSantis, and we laughed about how that blew up in our faces. His laugh and smile were contagious, and I’m sure that will go with him as he prays in eternal life.  

– William Anderson, Midwest Regional Coordinator  

Charlie Kirk was the instrument that opened countless doors for me. I grew up watching his shows and grew to love and deeply admire the person he was. Following his footsteps, I started my own Turning Point USA chapter as a sophomore in high school in the suburbs of Chicago. We faced many struggles, and the mission to give conservative students a voice on campus seemed impossible. I had the opportunity to meet Charlie for the first time the night of my 18th birthday, and he filled me with so much encouragement. Charlie took me under his wing and became the most incredible mentor and friend.  

A few months later, he gave me advice that changed the course of my life for the better. Charlie was the reason I turned down the University of Notre Dame and, at 18, moved across the country to join TPUSA’s development team at HQ. He guided me in my endeavors after leaving Turning Point USA and never failed to remind me that, no matter the decisions I made, God had a plan. He was a force to be reckoned with, and the love of Christ shone through him wherever he was. Whether he was popping into the office to check in or sending a quick text after I left the organization, he always made sure you felt valued and appreciated. His love, wisdom, humor, and constant support will be missed forever. Please pray for his wife, Erika, and his beautiful family.  

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.  

Well done, good and faithful servant.  

– Leslie Mendoza, Upper Midwest Regional Coordinator  

Charlie Kirk… a man who boldly chose to defend truth in a time when truth is often silenced. His courage to speak out, even when it cost him his life, is a reminder of the words in Proverbs 28:1, “The righteous are as bold as a lion.”  

Charlie has stood firm in faith and was unafraid to challenge the lies of this world. In his work, he reflects a deep conviction that truth is not something we create, but something God Himself has given us. His voice has encouraged so many to stand firm, not to waver, and to remember that we are called to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16).  

May we thank God for raising leaders like Charlie, who do not compromise with culture but choose obedience to Christ above all else. His example reminds us that defending truth is never just about winning arguments—it’s about pointing hearts back to Christ, who is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6)   

Erika… I cannot even begin to imagine the pain and grief you are experiencing right now with the loss of your dear husband. You have been a great inspiration and a godly example to me over the years. Praying for God to give you strength and comfort in what is probably your worst nightmare right now. May our Lord Jesus Christ help you carry this heavy cross.   

May your memory be eternal, Charlie. Go with Christ.  

– Savanna Deretich, Government Affairs Coordinator  

It’s strange, because I don’t remember a time not knowing who Charlie Kirk was. He became the young voice of the conservative movement. I believe his influence is the reason so many young people embraced conservative values. 

On a personal level, he inspired me to read Aristotle and embrace old literature. He was also a role model. I remember watching his engagement interview with Erika and the tenderness he showed her. Most recently, I watched the tenderness he showed his children, who will never experience it again. 

I am shattered for his wife, two beautiful children, his family, friends, and those he touched and inspired to be better. He was a pillar to the conservative movement, and most importantly, a pillar to his family. 

The immediate aftermath of his assassination leads me to grieve and pray. To reflect on good and evil. But eventually, we will all have to dust ourselves off and decide what we do next. 

Something will change. I’ve changed, as we all have. We can’t let Charlie down. But for now, in this darkest day, I pray that his family would feel God’s presence and that God’s justice would be done.  

– Jordan Butler, Press Specialist & Online Editor

Going into college, I believed many of the lies the Left constantly pushed. It wasn’t until I wrote a research paper on BLM that I started to notice things that didn’t add up. That paper opened the door for me to question the party I thought I belonged to, and that journey quickly led me to Charlie Kirk.  

Initially, his content genuinely upset me. But over time, I began to see the truth in what he was saying. Charlie became one of the first voices I trusted in my search for truth, and I often shared his content with others who were just as lost as I had been.  

Finally, when my husband and I founded the Students for Life group at Tarleton State University, we quickly partnered with the TPUSA campus chapter because we knew Charlie’s organization was built on solid, life-affirming principles.  

His boldness, his love for his family, and his unwavering commitment to truth and country will always inspire me. I’m forever grateful for the role he played in helping me see clearly.  

– Faith Elwonger, Texas Regional Coordinator  

In high school, I was on the complete opposite side of the aisle. When I talked to one of my classmates about policies under the Trump administration, she referred to a podcast… Charlie’s podcast. When I came home that day, my dad was raving about this young conservative whom he had started listening to a few weeks before, and of course, it was Charlie. After listening to maybe 3 minutes of what he had to say, I was hooked.  

I admired the way he wore his faith as armor and never once wavered in his belief in our Lord. He gave me the strength to be outspoken in the classroom and eventually vocal in public. He planted a seed in my mind and in my heart to fight for the truth and glorify God in every aspect of my life. Charlie was someone who touched the lives of many people, mine included. He changed an entire generation, leaving a legacy that will live on forever. He lived for God and for his family, never letting the world of politics overshadow his genuine desire to glorify the Lord through his work. I will forever be grateful to him for the fire he’s given me, nor will I ever let it be extinguished.  

– Carissa Contreras, Rocky Mountain Regional Coordinator  

Charlie Kirk was a patriot who stood for unvarnished truth and courage. He was a devoted husband and father, that set an example for men everywhere. It is up to us to carry the torch he lit for us as the next generation of leaders.  

– Michael Allers Jr., Managing Editor  

I have known about Charlie for a long time, but it wasn’t until the last two years that I started watching his content. My YouTube watch list for the last month has been mainly him on campus.  

I loved how Charlie spoke with such passion and conviction. He was so well-articulate. I admired how well educated he was, despite (as he would always laughingly throw out) that he didn’t go to college. Charlie spoke so courageously. He absolutely knew that getting shot one day was a possibility. But he knew his calling was so important.  

 Charlie has inspired me to strive to do the same. I want to become a better person, a more informed and well-read person. And to strive to live out my faith more openly.  

My heart breaks for his wife and children right now. To lose their husband and father so tragically. I loved seeing videos and pictures of them. He was an amazing role model of what a good husband and father should be.  

Rest in Peace, Charlie. You will forever be imprinted in our hearts and minds.  

– Katie Portka, Database Specialist   

I’m devastated by the murder of Charlie Kirk. So sad. Such an intelligent, intentional man of integrity. I didn’t know him well, but I was impressed by every interaction I had with him. He was a constant reminder of how much a person can accomplish with self-discipline, hard work, and submission to God. I pray that his example ignites a determination in us all to be more like that.  

God says that we are to give Him thanks in all things. I must confess that as I’m tearing up writing this, I’m struggling to obey. I’m struggling with thinking about the pain of his wife and two young children. I’m struggling with thinking about the loss of his leadership in the world. I’m struggling to thank God in the face of evil.  

But even as the tears are rolling down my cheeks, I will do just that. I will be intentional and disciplined and submit to God in giving Him thanks even in this situation because I know that He is good. Even in this fallen world full of evil, God is good.  

He is using this for good, and He will use this for good – for His glory, for our good, and for the good of His Kingdom. And for Charlie, I believe he is experiencing the greatest good of all, standing before his Maker and hearing, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Well done.”  

– Erin Brownback, Vice President of Communications and Project Integration   

Although I never had the privilege of meeting Charlie Kirk in person, his impact on my life has been profound. He was truly a hero to me. Charlie showed me what it meant to stand for truth unapologetically, even when it was unpopular. His speaking tours inspired me to be bold in my convictions, and through his example, I learned how to better defend my stances on abortion apologetics. 

I always admired the way he changed culture not by compromise, but by courage. I once almost had the privilege of meeting him when I attended a tour stop at West Chester University — though he was unable to attend in person that day, it reminded me just how much influence he had that even when others stepped in, the mission carried on. 

One of the highlights of my life was hearing Charlie speak at the Students for Life National Pro-Life Summit, where I had the privilege of serving. Listening to him that day reminded me why I do what I do: because the truth is worth fighting for, and every human life is worth defending. Charlie Kirk’s legacy is more than speeches — it’s a generation of young people like me who were moved to rise up and live courageously. I will always be grateful for the example he set, and I pray I can carry even a fraction of the boldness, clarity, and conviction he lived out so faithfully. 

– Julia Sadik, Pennsylvania Regional Coordinator 

One of my favorite Bible verses that relates to communications is Proverbs 25:11, “Like apples of gold in settings of silver Is a word spoken at the right time.” Charlie had that gift and made art of argument, which was beautiful to behold. It was a pleasure to know him and to see the ripple effect of truth throughout culture. As a wife and mother, I grieve for his family, and pray that they have loving support around them now and always. 

– Kristi Hamrick, Vice President of Media & Policy

Charlie represented something that we desperately need more of in our world: people who are willing to dialogue with those who disagree with us, to reveal and implement truth within society.

As a young pro-lifer, Charlie has given me a vision for a truly different America. One where all life is valued, biblical principles are the foundation of society, and where we would flourish not only as Americans, but simply as people. He was faithful in sharing the gospel and his love for the Lord and for his family was evident in both his life and work.

Charlie dedicated his life to creating a culture shift, a mission that we ought to continue pursuing in light of his legacy. Through his courage, gentleness, passion, and faith, Charlie set an example for young people everywhere, including myself, and was a voice for truth that young Americans need. I speak for many when I say that we will always be grateful for Charlie’s work and legacy as we seek to live with the same conviction and courage that his life reflected.

– Sophie Witt, Programs Intern

READ: A Message from Kristan Hawkins: Remembering Charlie Kirk, A Loving Father, Husband & Fierce Defender of Life