Charlie Kirk Assassination Denied Him Chance to Grow in Political Commentary

The deaths of public men often produce more than one type of tragedy. For a death such as the assassination of Charlie Kirk, the most gaping tragedy is that of his family and friends. Only a monster could be unmoved by the pain of his widow, Erika, speaking of the loss to her and their two very young children. There is also the loss to the wider conservative political movement, especially on campus; to the MAGA Republican faction in particular; to his organization, Turning Point USA; and to the cause of free and open debate in America.

A lesser loss, but nonetheless a real one, is this: Kirk was robbed of the chance to add more chapters to his story. It might have read much differently.

About the Author

Dan McLaughlin

Dan McLaughlin is a senior writer at National Review Online and a fellow at National Review Institute.

Featured Tags

Manage following

Conservatism

Charlie Kirk

The deaths of public men often produce more than one type of tragedy. For a death such as the assassination of Charlie Kirk, the most gaping tragedy is that of his family and friends. Only a monster could be unmoved by the pain of his widow, Erika, speaking of the loss to her and their two very young children. There is also the loss to the wider conservative political movement, especially on campus; to the MAGA Republican faction in particular; to his organization, Turning Point USA; and to the cause of free and open debate in America.

A lesser loss, but nonetheless a real one, is this: Kirk was robbed of the chance to add more chapters to his story. It might have read much differently.