Charlie Kirk's assassination makes conservatives like me feel targeted | Opinion

Charlie Kirk, conservative activist, commentator and cofounder of Turning Point USA, was killed while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem on Sept. 10.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox confirmed a "person of interest" was in custody, who FBI officials later released. The search for the suspect continued Wednesday, so we don't yet have a confirmed motive, but at this moment in our political culture, it is not hard to connect the dots. It seems likely, given Kirk's high profile as a conservative influencer, that he was targeted for his outspoken conservative and Christian beliefs.

Kirk, 31, was a devoted Christian, husband, father of two young children, and one of President Donald Trump's most ardent supporters and allies. Trump himself already eulogized Kirk's death in a post on social media. Kirk epitomized the MAGA right and was particularly endearing to Gen Z conservatives.

Ironically, Kirk's professional career at Turning Point USA, an organization that highlights conservative views on high school and college campuses, was dedicated to robust debate, often on college campuses underneath a tent emblazoned with the words "Prove me wrong."

But now we have a prominent voice, with his whole life ahead of him, that has been snuffed out in a senseless act of violence. That's the opposite of healthy discourse.

It has to be said. Conservatives are being targeted.

Trump survived an assassination attempt in July 2024. A second attempt occurred two months later. After Kirk's death, it feels like conservatives are the current targets of political violence.

I know this happens to Democrats, too. In June, a gunmanshot Minnesota Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, in their homes. They survived. Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were also shot in their home. Tragically, they died.

But right now, in part because of the graphic video posted all over social media, and on the heels of two Trump assassination attempts in 2024, it is conservatives who feel hunted and targeted. Because of this, we are mourning a leader in the conservative movement. And I am angry.

Like Kirk, I am a conservative and a Christian. The toxic political discourse in my email and messages is full of vitriol. The killing of Kirk in broad daylight and the Trump assassination attempts make my experience seem mild by comparison, but it does feel unsafe to hold the same beliefs right now. Kirk's killing seems indicative of a growing sentiment toward conservatives that feels increasingly vitriolic and violent.

Kirk's death is a warning sign, and I worry about what comes next

Kirk was a national figure. He was inspirational and kind. His death was not just another act of political violence. His goal was to further robust discourse among the right and the left. Healthy debate is not divisive. It is American. It seems like Kirk was killed for this.

I believe Kirk's death will be a flashpoint for conservatives.

In this moment, it is important to recognize that this feels like an attack on the more than 77 million Americans who voted for Trump, and on those who hold dear Christian and conservative beliefs. Those who seek to live these daily as Kirk did.

We do condemn political violence, but we also stand firm against being targeted for our beliefs as conservatives. It is un-American and it is wrong. We will continue to speak our beliefs and support our fellow Christians and conservatives. We will not back down, be quiet or dampen what we believe in the face of violence.

This is what Charlie Kirk would have wanted.

Nicole Russell is a columnist at USA TODAY and a mother of four who lives in Texas. Contact her at [email protected] and follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @russell_nm. Sign up for her weekly newsletter, The Right Track.