Another grim day for freedom of speech advocates who dare stand up against the rhetoric of the (radical) left that has infiltrated all levels of our (global) society. Charlie Kirk was fatally shot on Wednesday (10^th Sept.) at Utah Valley University during a speaking event. Kirk was a conservative activist and the founder of Turning Point USA (TPUSA). An NGO that advocates for conservative politics, like the woke agenda that has been spread across American high schools, colleges, and university campuses.

By Arthur Blok , Paul Cliteur, and  Rafael Baroch
Kirk's death has sparked widespread reaction in and outside the U.S., all mourning the loss of a passionate advocate for conservative values. Not surprisingly, many crocodile tears were shed by the left, who never missed a moment to criticise his methods and who saw Kirk as a provocateur and a symbol of divisive politics.

Kirk never shied away from sharing his anti-transgender views, which were often framed in the mainstream media as hateful and discriminatory, which was never the case. He frequently clashed with hypocritical voices from communities of colour, emphasising their hypocritical approach, like the representatives of movements like Black Lives Matter.

He also dared to question the COVID-19 restrictions and the World Health Organisation's guidance, which promoted unproven treatments. He claimed that hydroxychloroquine was "100% effective" in treating the virus, despite a lack of evidence at that time. It turned out he was right, most of the time.

Kirk was a champion of free speech and conservative values and always succeeded in engaging (and remaining) in respectful dialogue, even with those who disagreed with him and accused him of horrific things. Countless clips of him debating in the past years went viral on social media, making him famous worldwide.

TPUSA was able to mobilise a generation of young conservatives and helped shape the revival of the conservative movement in the U.S. and beyond. His death has sent shockwaves through the conservative community, and media outlets, including The Liberum, are no exception.

His assassination fits into a pattern of silencing those who dare to speak out. In the Netherlands, Islam-critic cineast Theo van Gogh was killed in 2004. Two years earlier, the right-wing politician Pim Fortuyn shared the same fate.

In Europe, the attack on the offices of the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo is still fresh on our minds. Its offices were firebombed in November 2011 after publishing a previous caricature of Muhammad on its cover. In January 2015, a total of 17 people were killed in attacks on the satirical magazine.

In his final moments, Kirk urged his supporters to "stand together, grounded in truth and love". This call for unity has resonated with many, who see it as a testament to Kirk's commitment to his values and strong beliefs in God.

As the investigation into Kirk's death continues, many are left to grapple with the implications of his assassination. For some, it is a stark reminder of the dangers of political polarisation and the need for greater civility and respect in public discourse. For others, it is a call to action, a reminder to continue Kirk's work of promoting conservative values and engaging in respectful dialogue.

Kirk died too young, as men who speak too clearly often do. Not because they seek death, but because they remind others too much of life – of its risks, its ugliness, its unbearable truths. He didn't carry a weapon; his voice was his sword.

In our time, that sword is more dangerous than a gun. His two children will grow up in a world that called their father a danger to democracy, when all he asked was to debate it. His wife will bury not just a man, but a movement’s hope for decency with a backbone.

Killing someone is easy. It is harder to kill an idea. The bullets fired at Kirk were meant for both. Let us not pretend this was just another act of violence. It was a verdict. A public execution of disagreement.

A warning dressed as a tragedy. If there’s any justice left, his blood will stain the silence of those who watched and said nothing.

God be with you, Charlie,

Alah ma’ak,