The Rev. Franklin Graham, president and CEO of Samaritan's Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, said, "The devil overplayed his hand" regarding the slaying Wednesday of Turning Point USA co-founder and CEO Charlie Kirk.
"Charlie Kirk said, 'I want to be remembered for courage for my faith ... the most important thing is my faith in my life,'" Graham posted on X Thursday. "A single bullet silenced his voice on that platform yesterday, but it can't erase his influence, his legacy, and his testimony for Jesus Christ.
"Just a few days before his death, he posted, 'Jesus defeated death so you can live.' He wasn't afraid or ashamed to talk about his faith."
Graham was hopeful for Kirk's followers.
"Watching him makes me want to be even more bold! I think the devil has overplayed his hand. I pray that tens of thousands of young people will pick up Charlie's banner and courageously speak truth in a culture that tries to deny God's truth," he said.
"This week, Charlie posted, 'Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. ...Tell someone about Jesus this weekend.' What a challenge for us all! Will you?"
Charlie Kirk, 31, was shot in the neck during an event at Utah Valley University, leaving behind his wife, Erika Kirk, and two young children. The suspected gunman, Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested Thursday night. The conservative activist's body was transported to Phoenix on Air Force Two, with Vice President JD Vance leading the military honor guard escorting his casket.
On Friday night, Erika Kirk delivered her first public remarks since her husband's death, echoing Graham's defiance.
"The evildoers responsible for my husband's assassination have no idea what they have done. They killed Charlie because he preached a message of patriotism, faith, and of God's merciful love. They should all know this: If you thought that my husband's mission was powerful before, you have no idea," she said.
"You have no idea what you just have unleashed across this entire country and this world. You have no idea. You have no idea the fire that you have ignited within this wife. The cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry."
Michael Katz ✉
Michael Katz is a Newsmax reporter with more than 30 years of experience reporting and editing on news, culture, and politics.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.