We at CBR Southeast are shocked and dismayed at the assassination of Charlie Kirk yesterday afternoon. To all that has been said and written, I would add that Mr. Kirk is one of many hundreds of thousands of Americans who have given their lives in the cause of freedom. If this nation is to survive, I expect he will not be the last. So let us who remain strive to be worthy of their great sacrifice.

-C. Fletcher Armstrong, PhD CBR Southeast Director

by Lincoln Brandenburg

Charlie Kirk will always be remembered standing for truth in a culture that loves lies.

But he will also be remembered as a man who exemplified great love – particularly towards his ideological opponents. I’ve watched him debate – both in person and online – and the amount of patience he demonstrated was extraordinary. Charlie was no pushover – he spoke boldly and pushed back against the philosophical fads of the culture. But he balanced doing so with a willingness to listen and to respectfully debate the issues. In a time when so many resort to name-calling and attempts at censorship, he engaged friend and foe at the level of persuasion and reason. He loved people enough to debate with them. He loved people enough to tell them uncomfortable truths they didn’t want to hear.

I’m shocked that an ally I took for granted is no longer with us.

I’m grieved for his family – and for the people of this country and this world who were blessed by his life.

I’m angry that some cowardly monster used violence to silence a good man.

But in a strange sense, while I’m deeply saddened…I’m also envious of Charlie. Through his work and example, he accomplished more good in his 31 short years than many who live a long, safe life. While so many waste their lives in the pursuit of hedonistic pleasure or materialistic possessions, this guy gave himself fully for God and for others. He lived a life of deep impact and service. And he met his end with honor: fighting for the good, making his life count until his last moments.

Charlie’s untimely death at the hand of a murderer is a tragedy. But living a long life for self-gratification – leaving behind nothing of consequence to eternity – is a worse tragedy. I suspect that Charlie would be the first to agree. I suspect that Charlie would be honored if his life and death inspired more of us to live selflessly for love and faithfully to truth.

We were blessed to have you… and will continue to be blessed by your legacy. Thank you for a race well run, Charlie.

“How can we expect fate to let a righteous cause prevail when there is hardly anyone who will give himself up undividedly to a righteous cause?” ― Sophie Scholl