RIP Charlie Kirk. I still can’t fully process the weight of these words. The news of Charlie’s assassination at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025, has shaken me deeply, and I know it has shaken countless others across the country.

Charlie was a polarizing figure, a person who had strong beliefs and wasn’t afraid to express them. Whether you agreed or disagreed with him, there was no denying that he was passionate, outspoken, and unwavering in his convictions. And yet, his life was taken violently—a senseless act that should never happen, no matter what differences exist between us.

Just because you disagree with someone’s views does not mean you have the right to end their life. Debate, argue, and yes, sometimes you must agree to disagree—but to resort to violence over differing opinions is a darkness that cannot be tolerated. To take the life of another person because of hobbies, interests, political beliefs, or ideological views is an act that demonstrates a heart consumed by negativity and hate. That is not the world I want to live in. That is not the message I want to leave behind.

Charlie Kirk stood for certain principles—he was outspoken against LGBT and WOKE movements. He had a perspective, a voice, and a vision for the world as he saw it.

Some agreed, some disagreed, but that is the beauty of a free society: the ability to express yourself, even if others disagree. And yet, the tragic reality is that in today’s world, disagreement has sometimes become dangerous. Charlie’s death is a heartbreaking reminder of this truth. It reminds us that violence is the ultimate failure of communication, understanding, and humanity itself.

I have thought long and hard about what this means for all of us. As an athlete, a public figure, and a human being, I know I have a platform, a voice, and influence. With influence comes responsibility—the responsibility to advocate for peace, for dialogue, and for understanding. We can disagree without being enemies. We can stand firm in our beliefs without ever harming another person. And we must teach this to those who look up to us, those who follow us, and those who seek guidance in their own lives.

Charlie Kirk’s death is not just a personal loss—it is a societal one. It is a reminder that even when we are divided by ideology, we share a common humanity. Differences in beliefs, interests, and lifestyles are what make life rich, complex, and meaningful. They are not reasons for violence—they are reasons to learn, to grow, and to engage respectfully. When someone takes a life over disagreement, they not only destroy a person’s existence—they attempt to silence an entire perspective, a voice, a part of the broader dialogue that shapes our society.

I want to be clear: I will continue to stand against LGBT and WOKE movements because I believe in the principles and values that I uphold. That is my right, my choice, and my voice. But standing firm in my beliefs does not, and will never, justify violence. We can have convictions, we can have debates, and we can have disagreements—but violence is a line that should never be crossed. The sanctity of life must always remain above ideology.

Charlie Kirk’s life, while tragically cut short, is a lesson for all of us. It is a reminder of the need for courage, dialogue, and unity despite differences. We are all different, but we are one. We may disagree, argue, and even strongly oppose one another, but our shared humanity binds us together in ways that ideology cannot erase. And in that spirit, I stand with Charlie Kirk—not only in the causes he championed but also in the hope that his death will inspire reflection, peace, and a renewed commitment to dialogue over violence.

The world is watching, and we have a responsibility to model how disagreements should be handled. Violence should never be normalized. Taking a life because of someone’s interests, hobbies, or beliefs is an act of darkness, a failure to embrace the principles of understanding and respect that should define us as human beings. We are not meant to erase those with whom we disagree. We are meant to coexist, to engage, and to grow together, even in the face of opposing viewpoints.

To Charlie Kirk, I say this: your voice may have been silenced in the most tragic way, but your presence, influence, and the impact you made on millions of people will not be forgotten. Your dedication to your beliefs, the courage to speak your mind, and the unwavering commitment to your principles will remain a part of the conversation for years to come. I will stand with you in spirit, carrying forward the ideas you championed while holding firmly to the principle that life is sacred above all else. You will never walk alone.

To everyone who is grieving, shocked, or reflecting on this tragedy, I urge you to remember that disagreement is not an invitation to harm. It is an opportunity to learn, grow, and engage with one another respectfully. We must cherish our differences while holding fast to our shared humanity. We must teach future generations that debates should be had with words, not with violence. That differences should be celebrated, not punished. That life should be valued, no matter the ideology or belief system of those around us.

Charlie Kirk’s death is a wake-up call for all of us. It is a reminder of how precious life is, how fragile our existence can be, and how important it is to engage in respectful discourse. We are all different, but we are one. This truth must guide every action, every conversation, and every decision we make moving forward. Let us honor Charlie Kirk by committing ourselves to dialogue, understanding, and respect for the lives of others, even when we strongly disagree with them.

RIP Charlie Kirk. Your life mattered, your voice mattered, and your presence will not be forgotten. I will continue to stand firm in my beliefs while honoring the principle that violence can never be justified. Differences make us special, and unity makes us strong. You will never walk alone, Charlie.