Assassinating Free Speech

To set this blog’s context, consider a 2025  pupil study from the non-partisan Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE).   As it does each year, the foundation surveyed 68,000+ students from250+ colleges. And their report was as follows:

Acceptance of Violence =  34%  of students say using violence to stop someone from speaking on campus is acceptable.

Acceptance of Shouting Down Speakers = 72% of students say shouting down a speaker on campus is acceptable.

Self-Censoring with Fellow Students on Campus = 24% of students say they often self-censor with other students on campus.

Self-Censoring in Classroom Discussions = 28% of students say they often self-censor during classroom discussions.

Low Trust in School Administration = 27% of students say it is very or extremely likely their school administration would defend a speaker's rights to express their views.

Mental health professionals, anthropologists, and biologists suggest that it is language that separates human beings most definitively from animals.  When animals experience fear, they attack, freeze, or flee. Some American universities are passively allowing their students to do the same. Thus, in a sense,  universities are reducing students to the level of animals. To me, that’s the biggest lesson from the recent university assassination of Charlie Kirk.

As almost all Americans have heard, Charlie Kirk was fatally shot during a public event at Utah Valley University on September 10, around 12:10 p.m. MDT. He was hosting a "Prove Me Wrong" segment as part of his American Comeback Tour when the attack occurred. A bullet struck him in the neck, leading to his death later that day.  Kirk was assassinated while speaking to an audience and was encouraging them to step to the microphone to comment and question.  Thus, he was living and promoting freedom of speech and expression at the very moment that he was murdered.

If you or someone  you know hear about Charlie Kirk's assassination and immediately think or say, "Yes, but what about the Democrats who have been shot or killed, I have a few questions:  "Where is your humanity??  Is life in America your political game of win or lose?  Have you no empathy for his wife and children?  Is your mental processing so constrained and impoverished that you are unwilling and/or incapable of thinking about long-term consequences for America, for you, and for those whom you love?

Regardless of your politics, you might accept the following likely realities regarding Kirk’s death:

The Loss of a Brilliant, Energetic Young Leader

At just 31 years old, Charlie Kirk epitomized charisma, drive, and youthful energy. As the founder of Turning Point USA, he skillfully mobilized a generation to engage with conservative principles. His death represents not just personal loss, but the abrupt silencing of a once-bright voice in political youth activism. WHAT DOES SILENCING FREE SPEECH DO TO AMERICA?

Devastation for Family and Loved Ones

The emotional toll on his wife, Erika, and their two children is crushing. Beyond the political impact, the family has lost a husband and father—his passing a personal tragedy beyond public perception. The ripple extends to friends, colleagues, and supporters who mourn both the man and his family’s loss.  WHAT WILL THE MURDER DO TO OUR SOCIAL/POLITICAL CLIMATE?

Chilling Effect on Student Gatherings

The violent targeting of a speaker on campus could push some organizers and attendees toward caution, even fear. Upcoming gatherings—especially large events or rallies—might now contend with heightened security concerns and hesitancy, potentially curbing in-person engagement. GIVEN KIRK’S UNPRECEDENTED SUCCESS REGARDING CONSERVATIVE YOUTH, WILL MORE  DERANGED CONSERVATIVE HATERS BE ENCOURAGED TO CONSIDER ASSASSINATION TO ACHIEVE THEIR ENDS?

Suppression of Bold Voices

Charlie Kirk was unapologetically outspoken. His death may lead others with similar boldness to reconsider stepping into the public arena. The fear is that the political arena will grow more timid, less open to outspoken individuals challenging prevailing narratives. WILL THE ASSASSINATION SUCCEED IN DISSUADING YOUNG CONSERVATIVES FROM SPEAKING OUT?

Loss of a Communicator to Youth

Few reached young conservatives as directly as Kirk did. His ability to connect—via campus events, podcasts, social media, and media appearances—created a bridge between political messaging and youth culture. His absence leaves a void in channels that blend youthful energy with political persuasion. WILL THE ASSASSINATION FURTHER PREVENT RATIONAL DISCUSSION BETWEEN YOUNG CONSERVATIVES AND LIBERALS/PROGRESSIVES?

Discouragement of Fearless Expression

In classrooms or campuses, the notion that dissenting or non-mainstream conservative voices might be heard is now marred by tragedy. Students may feel discouraged from speaking against dominant campus opinions, fearing repercussions—whether subtle or stark. WILL CAMPUSES BECOME EVEN MORE BALKANIZED THAN THEY ALREADY ARE?

Reflection on the Political Atmosphere

While it's crucial not to equate cause and effect simplistically, the incident does underscore the toxicity of polarizing rhetoric in American political discourse. Some observers may ask whether the current climate—full of extreme labels, conspiracies, and demonization—facilitates tragedies like this. Voices from across the spectrum have warned about the need to reject political violence.

Deepening Anxiety Among Teens and College Students

Youth—especially college students—now face more than academic concerns: they’re confronting the possibility that expressing political ideas is dangerous. The psychological weight of that reality could inhibit open debate and intellectual risk-taking on campuses, shifting the atmosphere from one of engagement to one of caution and conformity.

Unfortunately. Charlie Kirk was courageous to a fault. His final days were marked by growing danger. According to Pastor Rob McCoy, a close friend and spiritual mentor, Kirk had been receiving death threats regularly—hundreds, McCoy claimed. Yet Kirk never flinched. “Every day he faced death threats from evil,” McCoy said, “and he was never afraid of that.”

Are you and I courageous enough to take a stand against the partisan,  violent malignancy infecting our youth and ourselves?