Read the powerful remembrance of Charlie Kirk from Turning Point USA: ‘His legacy will endure’

A day after the horrific assassination of Charlie Kirk, the organization he founded released a poignant statement predicting that his legacy would continue to influence millions beyond his untimely death.

Kirk was shot and killed while debating Wednesday at one of his celebrated campus events at Utah Valley University. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has joined the massive manhunt for the shooter.

‘Charlie loved America, its people, its Constitution, its freedom, and the limitless good all of them have done for the world. But above all, Charlie lived every day with an overflowing love of the Christ he knew he would one day get to see.’

On Thursday, Turning Point USA published a touching statement on Facebook celebrating the life of their founder.

“Every one of us at Turning Point USA is crushed and devastated by the hateful murder of our founder and guiding light, Charlie Kirk. All of us have lost a leader, a mentor, and a friend. Above all, our hearts are with Erika and their two children,” the statement read.

The organization asked for prayers for Kirk’s family and called Kirk a martyr for free speech.

“More than anyone, Charlie believed in the power of argument and good-faith debate to find the truth and guide people towards, if not agreement, then at least mutual understanding. Charlie was no stranger to threats. He received thousands throughout his life. But he always prioritized reaching as many young Americans as possible over his own personal safety. Now, Charlie has become America’s greatest martyr to the freedom of speech he so adored,” they continued.

“In his thirty-one years, Charlie lived more than any of us will in a hundred. He had an overwhelming passion for life and a deep belief in his power as an individual to make a difference,” the statement read. “With the spirit of a pioneer, Charlie launched Turning Point out of his parents’ garage as an 18-year-old with no money, no name recognition, only a dream. His energy and drive were awe-inspiring, without equal and deeply infectious. Charlie refused to squander a single day of his life. He was a natural builder and problem solver, who loved a challenge and saw every setback as a chance to learn, grow, pray, and try again. He was fundamentally decent, always eager to make new friends and allies and to support and defend the ones he had already made. His values were timeless American ones: Honesty, forthrightness, duty, loyalty, and fair play.”

The statement then focused on his Christian faith.

“Charlie loved America, its people, its Constitution, its freedom, and the limitless good all of them have done for the world. But above all, Charlie lived every day with an overflowing love of the Christ he knew he would one day get to see,” the organization continued. “When asked, Charlie said that above all he wished to be remembered for his faith. Far more than any political victory, Charlie wanted to see a spiritual revival among America’s youth. He wanted a nation of happy, thriving families who loved God and each other. At his final public speech, just days before his murder, Charlie witnessed to Christ to an audience of nonbelievers. Even in his very last moments, Charlie was professing the Gospel. He ran his race well all the way to the end.”

“Now, he goes to his heavenly reward.”

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“Although Charlie is gone, his legacy will endure,” the statement concluded. “He shall not grow old; age shall not weary him. For all time, he will remain the brave young man who inspired tens of millions of Americans to better themselves and take action to better America. All of us will miss Charlie. None of us will ever forget him.”

Authorities released images of a person of interest being sought in the investigation. No one has been arrested yet.

President Donald Trump has announced that he would posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.

Kirk was 31 years old.

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