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Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), was fatally shot on Sept. 10 during “The American Comeback Tour” at Utah Valley University. Now, career prosecutor and author Dr. Wendy Patrick says Kirk may have been targeted not simply for his words, but for the reach of his message.
Patrick argues that the fear of influence may be a driver of political violence.
“People were listening to the content of what Charlie Kirk had to say,” she said.
Patrick said Kirk’s influence extended well beyond the United States. Vigils were held in cities around the world, including London, Sydney and Berlin, following Kirk’s assassination.
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Dr. Wendy Patrick says Charlie Kirk was targeted not just for speaking, but for being heard. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
TPUSA reported Charlie Kirk’s memorial at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, drew 90,000-100,000 attendees on Sept. 21.
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“They were curious in knowing what made someone like Charlie Kirk tick,” Patrick said. “Could it be that he was on to something that maybe was worthy of a little bit more exploration on their part?”
She also pointed out that while Kirk’s message wasn’t new, his method stood out. His goal, Patrick said, wasn’t to debate, but to converse with those who opposed his views graciously.
“What was new is the boldness, gentleness and graciousness with which Charlie Kirk was able to explain that,” Patrick said.
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Dr. Wendy Patrick says Charlie Kirk’s influence and respectful debate style made him a global voice. (Dr. Wendy Patrick)
Commentators across the political spectrum acknowledged Kirk’s reach. Ezra Klein said in an opinion essay, “When the left thought its hold on the hearts and minds of college students was nearly absolute, Kirk showed up again and again to break it.”
An Network Contagion Research Institute study shows that widespread justification for lethal violence is increasing among left-aligned younger individuals.
“Assassination culture is spreading on the left,” Kirk posted on X months before his assassination.
For Patrick, Kirk didn’t just speak, people listened to a message that, she says, reached both minds and hearts.
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She says that Charlie Kirk, “expressed a message that was not only interesting to listen to, but impactful to the hearts of the listeners.”