Remembering Charlie Kirk

No American should be attacked for voicing their opinion, for speaking their mind, or for standing up for what they believe in. But tragically this week, Charlie Kirk suffered that fate as his life was cut short by an assassin’s bullet while he was doing what he loved — engaging in debate, inspiring young minds, and promoting the principles of freedom.

Charlie was a young father and a man committed to the idea that freedom of speech and openly discussing ideas is essential to the future of our nation. He traveled to college campuses across the country with the mission of teaching young Americans that ours is the greatest nation on earth and that our rights are worth defending.

In 2018, the Goldwater Institute was honored to welcome Charlie to our Annual Dinner, and he spoke to us about his mission and vision for the future. And he called us to action. America has a choice, he said. “Do you want a set of principles and ideas that will defend America, the greatest country ever to exist? Or the other side, which is a complete and total embrace of Marxist ideology?” he asked. Tragically, Charlie lost his life fighting for that cause, but his memory will live on, and his mission remains.

In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s senseless murder, rest assured that the Goldwater Institute will not be deterred. Our responsibility now is to remain resolute in our fight to ensure all Americans can live their lives free from government interference.  Goldwater exists to promote constitutional rights such as free speech – rights that Charlie’s assassin abhorred.

As a public-facing organization that hosts numerous events throughout the year, we will not slow down in our efforts to promote the ideals that make the United States the greatest experiment in the history of mankind.  The people who count on us can be secure in the knowledge that we remain in the trenches, fighting to ensure all Americans can live freer, happier lives.

Victor Riches is President and CEO of the Goldwater Institute.