Opinion
By Steve Nicklas, 9-15-25
Charlie Kirk would bravely walk into the belly of the beast, guided by determination and unflinching faith. This time he did not walk out.
He was carried out, a victim of a disturbing act by someone who could not out-debate Charlie or out-reason him. Someone who shot and killed him instead. Charlie used irrefutable logic and reasoning as his weapons of defense, but these virtues could not withstand a bullet from a high-powered rifle.
He drew followers like a messiah, many searching for something other than the radical indoctrination at schools they attended. He gave them an alternative, as well as a purpose.
Charlie’s triumphant organization, Turning Point USA, has spread like a healthy virus through our country, with chapters at 900 colleges and 1,200 high schools. His death might be the real turning point, however; organizers have since received 37,000 inquiries to start new chapters.
He would routinely go on speaking tours like the one he was on when he was fatally shot at Utah Valley University. He cherished meeting high school and college students, spreading his message of civility and faith and God, characteristics the hard left cannot tolerate.
This is not about politics. It’s about young people getting to decide what they believe, rather than having it stuffed down their throats like the apple at a pig roast. Mourners call his death a tragedy, an unthinkable act.
But what Charlie thought and believed and preached became his sacrifice. He would say it was worth it.
Charlie exuded freedom and liberty and detested socialism and communism. “I founded Turning Point USA to tell young people in America there is a better way than big government and old-school corruption,” Kirk said in an interview. “Our best days are ahead.”
Kirk was keenly aware of the dangers of this passion. To protect his two young children, he would never have their faces photographed. His devoted wife Erika was always by his side, a former Miss Arizona USA, strong and resolute. Hopefully she will be the ladle that stirs the same pot of hope, carrying on her husband’s work.
I always liked Charlie, from his appearances and his podcasts. I admired someone so young and so wise and such a leader. I didn’t realize I’d miss him this much. Our country misses him. We are hurting. We ache for his positive influence.
There are always questions about why something like this happens, and how it could have been avoided. But Charlie didn’t want to hide or cower. He had done this so many times before.
He dropped out of college at 18, rejecting the one-sided message served up like a tainted beverage by conflicted professors. He got discovered when he wrote an essay about liberal bias in textbooks. He boldly set out to encourage belief in a greater power than government, a faith in the U.S. Constitution, a pride in America.
He would routinely debate – at times heated – with students who loathed his message. One of them ended his life.
President Donald Trump credits Charlie for helping him win the 2024 election. The swing toward Trump of young people was pivotal, especially with college-age boys. You’d see them in bright-red MAGA hats at Charlie’s rallies, enthusiastic, hopeful, exhilarated.
The phrase – belly of the beast – is a biblical metaphor for a dangerous situation. If anyone knew the bible, it was Charlie Kirk. He was a prophet, a messenger of God. He is a physical addendum to the scripture.
“I want to be remembered for courage for my faith,” he said. He resoundingly succeeded.
Steve Nicklas is a decorated financial advisor and award-winning columnist in Nassau County. He can be reached at 904-753-0236 or at [email protected].
The views expressed in this commentary are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Citizens Journal Florida
