We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools
Dr. King’s words have never been more needed. Here’s why? I remember first reading the reports on September 10, 2025, that Charlie Kirk had been shot while speaking at Utah Valley University. I was floored. Witnesses said a single round struck him in the neck from a rooftop roughly 150–200 yards away. He was rushed to a hospital, but the wound proved mortal.
When I heard the report, I immediately began praying he would survive. Kirk was an evangelical Christian. I strongly disagreed with much of his interpretation and application of Scripture regarding race. But murdering him in cold blood was not only tragic, it was satanic. Disagreement belongs in the arena of ideas, not in the spray of bullets.
The Shooter Has Been Charged
On September 11, Utah authorities and the FBI arrested 22-year-old Tyler James Robinson in Washington County, Utah. He now faces multiple felony charges, including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, and weapons violations. He is being held without bail.
Investigators say Robinson admitted his role to a family member, who then tipped off law enforcement through a family friend. Authorities recovered a bolt-action rifle, along with bullet casings inscribed with disturbing messages—phrases like “hey fascist catch” and “bella ciao,” a reference to antifascist movements. One unfired round even carried a homophobic slur.
Police and the FBI have also gathered evidence from surveillance footage, footprints, and partial prints, as well as online messages indicating Robinson’s preparations. Officials believe he acted alone, though the investigation is ongoing.
"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere"
Why This Matters
I had deep disagreements with Kirk. He frequently disparaged diversity, equity, and inclusion. He often spoke critically of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He spread disdain for African Americans across college campuses. His rhetoric was harmful.
And yet—none of that justifies his murder. If you believe Kirk was hateful, you debate him. You challenge his words with better words. You do not load a rifle and ambush him while he is speaking. That is an injustice!
The shooter should have shown up with his talking points and taken the mic. Instead, he showed up with rage and a weapon. That’s not courage—it’s cowardice.
A Personal Reflection
Despite his rhetoric, those close to Kirk say he could be warm in private. He had a large platform, a devoted following, and a young family. He leaves behind a widow and two small children who deserved a husband and father. They are the ones who will bear this tragedy most personally.
More importantly, Kirk was not given the chance to grow in his faith. None of us knows how God might have continued to deal with him. Murder cut that short.
Where We Go From Here
As a civil rights attorney and minister, I prefer to confront MAGA ideology in the theatre of ideas, not with violence. America must find a way to tamp down the political violence—even as Donald Trump and his allies seem intent on ramping it up.
If we normalize killing those we disagree with, we destroy the very possibility of persuasion, justice, and peace.
The Bible says: “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13). That commandment is clear. It doesn’t come with exceptions for people whose politics we despise.
Dr. King reminded us: “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.” Those words ring louder today than ever.
Charlie Kirk’s words could be resisted, challenged, and refuted. But Charlie Kirk’s life could not be restored once taken.
Let us be a nation that defeats bad ideas with better ideas, not bullets.
Please read a statement from Martin King III, the eldest son of Dr. King, regarding Charlie Kirk
