How should Christians respond to Charlie Kirk’s assassination?

Note: This response is contingent on information available at the time of writing and is subject to change based on new developments.

Charlie Kirk, an American political activist and organizer, was assassinated on September 10, 2025, while speaking at a public event in Utah. Kirk focused on encouraging conservative political and social views among college and high school students. Kirk’s methods centered on open communication, usually in the form of public dialogue and debate. He claimed that blunt conversations were necessary: that when people refused to speak to each other, breakdowns and violence were inevitable. Charlie Kirk was also an outspoken Christian. He routinely referred to his faith and encouraged others to develop a relationship with Christ.

Any murder should trigger sorrow (Romans 12:15). Beyond that, perspectives on Charlie Kirk’s life and ministry don’t fit neatly into social, political, or spiritual stereotypes. Believers are not obligated to agree with all of Kirk’s political views. Nor are Christians compelled to endorse or condemn how Kirk proclaimed and contended for his worldview. But Christians are required to approach such matters with good-faith understanding (Proverbs 18:13, 17), grace (1 Peter 3:15–17; Ephesians 4:15), caution (James 1:19–20; Philippians 4:5), and humble biblical realism (Colossians 2:8; 1 Samuel 16:7; 1 Corinthians 10:12).

Kirk’s assassination occurred in front of a large crowd. Photos and video recordings immediately spread worldwide. The incident prompted responses from political and spiritual leaders, as well as reactions from Kirk’s fans and detractors. As of this writing, Kirk’s suspected killer has been captured but not convicted. Current evidence overwhelmingly suggests a political motive. On a broader scale, the murder has amplified discussions about free speech, security measures, and extremism.

Early reactions to Charlie Kirk’s assassination highlighted humanity’s capacity for vicious spitefulness and hatred (see Titus 3:3; Matthew 15:19). Some people openly celebrated the murder (Psalm 11:5; Proverbs 21:10; Mark 7:21–23). Others made remarks tacitly blaming Kirk himself. These reactions sparked further turmoil, even among those sharing political and religious perspectives. The ultimate impact of Kirk’s murder won’t be clear any time soon. Sadly, the immediate effect seems to be a deepening of America’s ongoing cultural divide.

Biblically relevant questions surrounding Charlie Kirk’s assassination touch on several common themes:

Political Violence. There is no biblical support for violent aggression against those who disagree with one’s point of view (John 18:36; Matthew 5:44; 6:14–15). Cheering or excusing violence discloses a depraved opposition to the heart of Christ (Psalm 11:5). This applies equally to vigilantism and retaliation (Romans 12:18–19).

God’s Role or Absence. Even if Kirk's life was taken "too early" from a human perspective, nothing takes God by surprise. The Lord works out everything for good in the end (Romans 8:18). But not every infamous act of evil comes with an obvious connection to God's divine purposes. Some tragedies are awful consequences of living in a dangerous fallen world (Luke 13:4–5; James 4:14). Yet even the most horrible events are easier to process from an appropriate eternal perspective. Charlie Kirk claimed to have accepted Christ's offer of merciful forgiveness (John 3:16–18). This makes his fate triumphant, even if his earthly life ended in violence. Scripture also indicates that every sin, including Kirk's murder, will be punished one way (1 Peter 2:24) or another (Revelation 20:11–15).

Speaking in Ignorance. Many have rushed to comment about Kirk despite having little meaningful knowledge about him. It is reckless to promote claims based on assumptions and preference. Quotations can be badly taken out of context, and public views can be and often are misrepresented. Christians should make a concerted effort to fact-check (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1) and understand (Proverbs 18:13, 17) before sharing, reacting, or responding. Many who relay false information speak from pure ignorance (Proverbs 14:15; Galatians 6:1).

Social Implications. Celebrating or justifying political assassinations demonstrates more than personal depravity. It reveals a not-so-subtle wish for similar violence against those who share the target’s views. This internal aggression cannot be divorced from the modern habit of applying extreme labels to political opponents. Nor can those who use such rhetoric be entirely distanced from those who take their words to heart and act on them (Proverbs 16:29; James 3:5–6).

Faith and Politics. Even when agreeing on biblical principles, Christians can come to different conclusions about earthly political solutions. On some issues—such as abortion and sexuality—there is only one broad biblical perspective. But few political positions compel either Christian endorsement or rejection (Romans 14:1–4). Further, God’s people are not called to prioritize civil power; they are expected to pursue evangelism (Matthew 28:19; John 18:36). Christians should be careful not to blur the distinction between civic duty and Christian duty.

Martyrdom. As of this writing—and barring discovery of extraordinary evidence to the contrary—Kirk’s assassination was motivated by opposition to his political views. For Kirk, however, his political views were firmly based on his Christian faith and his commitment to the Bible. Kirk often mentioned faith and connected his views to biblical truths. Whether Kirk was a “Christian martyr,” “conservative martyr,” or a “political martyr,” however, is beside the point. Ultimately, Kirk was murdered for living out and proclaiming his beliefs, which were, for him, founded on his Christian faith.

Our prayer is that this tragic event draws culture away from evil schemes leading to misery (Ephesians 6:11) and toward the One who unites people in truth (Ephesians 4:1–5; 1 Corinthians 13:6).