A.J. Brown Mourns Charlie Kirk: A Reflection on Difference, Violence, and Unity

RIP Charlie Kirk. Those three words carry an immeasurable weight today. The news of Charlie’s assassination at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025, has left a profound void in the hearts of those who knew him, supported him, or simply respected his voice.

As I sit here reflecting on this tragic event, I feel compelled to share my thoughts, my grief, and my perspective—not only as a professional athlete but as a human being who believes in the power of dialogue and the beauty of our differences.

Charlie Kirk was a polarizing figure. He had beliefs and opinions that sparked intense debate and sometimes even outright disagreement. I won’t pretend that I agreed with everything he stood for; I won’t pretend that everyone in the world did. But here’s the truth: just because you disagree with someone’s views does not give you the right to take their life. Violence is never the answer. Debate, argue, and yes, sometimes you must agree to disagree—but the act of killing another person over ideological differences is a darkness that should never exist in society. It’s the ultimate failure of communication, understanding, and humanity.

I’ve seen the news, the reactions on social media, and the discussions in both professional and personal circles. People are shocked, saddened, and enraged. And rightly so. To lose a life over disagreement is horrifying in itself. But I also think it’s a moment to reflect on what makes us human, what makes us truly unique, and what responsibilities we carry to one another. We live in a world filled with diverse beliefs, lifestyles, and ideologies. Some of these will clash. Some will never align. And that is okay. That is what makes life rich, vibrant, and interesting. Differences are not weaknesses—they are our strengths. They are the colors in the fabric of humanity, the notes in a symphony that would otherwise be monotonous if everyone thought the same, acted the same, or believed the same.

Charlie Kirk stood for certain principles. He was outspoken against LGBT and WOKE movements. Whether you agreed with him or not, there was no denying that he was passionate, committed, and unwavering in his convictions. And yet, his murder is a stark reminder that passion should never translate into violence. People will always have opposing viewpoints. They will always disagree, argue, and debate. That is part of life. But taking a life because of disagreement—that is a darkness I cannot accept. That is a crossing of a line that should never be crossed.

We must also remember that the power of influence carries responsibility. Charlie Kirk influenced millions. Athletes like myself have influence too. We have the power to speak, to lead, and to shape opinions. But with that influence comes the responsibility to foster dialogue, to encourage respect, and to advocate for peaceful disagreement. When someone with influence is silenced through violence, the entire community feels the loss—not just of a person, but of an opportunity for conversation, understanding, and growth.

I stand here today, mourning Charlie Kirk not just for who he was but also for what his death represents. We live in a world where ideology has become a weapon, where disagreement can become dangerous, and where human life is sometimes undervalued because of differences in opinion. This is a moment for reflection. It is a moment for us to ask ourselves: how can we protect dialogue? How can we ensure that we engage with one another with respect, even when we disagree vehemently? And how can we stand firm in our convictions without ever crossing the line into harm?

I want to make one thing perfectly clear: I will continue to stand against LGBT and WOKE movements, as I believe in the principles and the values I uphold. That is my right. That is my voice. But I also believe in the sanctity of human life above all else. I will never condone violence. I will never celebrate the silencing of someone, no matter how much I may disagree with them or what they believe. That is not who I am. That is not who we should be as a society.

Charlie Kirk’s death is tragic. It is a reminder of our shared vulnerability and the fragility of life. But it is also a call to action. It is a call to embrace dialogue, to cherish our differences, and to find ways to disagree without hatred. We are all different, but we are one. We share this world together. We share communities, cities, and fields—both literal and metaphorical. And while our views may differ, our shared humanity binds us in ways that transcend ideology, politics, or identity.

To Charlie Kirk, I say this: your voice may have been silenced, but your message, your influence, and your presence will not be forgotten. I will stand here with you in spirit. I will honor your convictions and the courage it took to speak your mind. I will do so while also advocating for peace, understanding, and the recognition that our differences should never lead to death. You will never walk alone, Charlie. Your legacy lives on in the conversations you sparked, the debates you encouraged, and the lives you touched.

To everyone reading this, I urge you to reflect on what has happened. Violence is never the answer. Killing someone because of ideology, interests, hobbies, or personal beliefs is a darkness that stains our world. We must do better. We must be better. We must teach our children, our communities, and ourselves that disagreement is not an invitation for harm but an opportunity for growth.

As I mourn Charlie Kirk, I also recommit myself to my principles: standing firm in my beliefs while advocating for respect, dialogue, and peace. I hope that through reflection, action, and conversation, we can prevent future tragedies and honor the lives of those who have been lost. We are all different, but we are one. That truth must guide us every day.

RIP Charlie Kirk. Your life mattered, your voice mattered, and your presence will not be forgotten. I will continue to stand for what I believe in while holding fast to the idea that violence has no place in human discourse. You will never walk alone.