On behalf of the Eagle Forum and our Student Eagles from across the nation, Frances Arthur, Student Eagle Chairman, released the following statement:
We extend our deepest condolences to Charlie Kirk’s wife, Erika, their two young children, his extended family, and staff. We mourn the loss of a dedicated voice for young conservatives, and commit ourselves to amplifying his legacy — by continuing to speak openly, thoughtfully, and courageously in defense of foundational freedoms.
That he should lose his life at the hands of a gunman while speaking is not only devastating, it is tragically ironic: a staunch defender of free speech silenced by violence at a platform he built to elevate it. Our grief is compounded by the cruel twist of evil that robbed him of the ability to continue his work, as well as to protect and defend his family as a father, husband, and guiding presence.
We encourage those who wish to honor Charlie’s memory to further the cause he devoted his life to: robust, peaceful, and principled engagement in the marketplace of ideas — always grounded in respect, civility, and an unwavering commitment to constitutional rights.
May we find strength in our shared love for free expression, and may Charlie Kirk’s passion for debate and discourse inspire a renewed vigor to engage — and never see free speech silenced by violence.
Eagle Forum was founded by Phyllis Schlafly, a dynamic and charismatic leader who inspired countless women and men to participate in the process of self-government and public policy-making so that America will continue to be a land of individual liberty, with respect for the nuclear family, public and private virtue, and private enterprise. For nearly fifty years, Eagle Forum’s network of state organizations has led the charge to mobilize the grassroots to defend the founding principles of the United States.
