SR 286

UNOFFICIAL COPY  26 RS BR 2578
1A RESOLUTION recognizing the life of Charlie Kirk as a martyr for truth, faith,
2 and free speech.
3WHEREAS, Charles James "Charlie" Kirk was born on October 14, 1993, in
4 Arlington Heights, Illinois, and was tragically assassinated on September 10, 2025; and
5WHEREAS, though his life was cut short, Charlie Kirk became the preeminent
6 voice of a generation, inspiring millions of young Americans to engage in civic
7 discourse, champion conservative principles, and reclaim the foundational values of faith,
8 family, liberty, limited government, and individual responsibility; and
9WHEREAS, in 2012, at age 18, Charlie Kirk co-founded and became the chief
10 executive officer of Turning Point USA, which began as a grassroots, shoestring campus
11 effort and was turned into a well-funded, highly effective national organization with
12 several affiliated groups, such as Turning Point Action and TPUSA Faith; and
13WHEREAS, through his work and tireless advocacy at Turning Point USA, Charlie
14 Kirk led a transformative movement on college campuses and beyond, empowering
15 students to defend free markets, secure borders, and protect traditional family structures
16 against ideological overreach; and
17WHEREAS, Charlie Kirk would become a widely known media figure around the
18 globe, hosting "The Charlie Kirk Show" on talk radio, appearing regularly on
19 conservative outlets, fostering an environment for open dialogue on America's college
20 campuses, and addressing such major political conferences as the 2024 Republican
21 National Convention and the 2022 Conservative Political Action Conference; and
22WHEREAS, Charlie Kirk authored several books, including "Campus Battlefield"
23 in 2018, "The MAGA Doctrine" in 2020, "Right Wing Revolution" in 2024, and "Stop in
24 the Name of God" in 2025; and
25WHEREAS, among his fans and admirers, Charlie Kirk earned a stellar reputation
26 for his skill as a debater and his continued focus on campus activism, youth engagement,
27 and faith-based organizing; and
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1WHEREAS, a vocal and unapologetic Christian, Charlie Kirk embodied the
2 Christian heritage that undergirds American exceptionalism, publicly proclaiming his
3 faith in Jesus Christ as a guiding force in the pursuit of justice, moral clarity, and defense
4 of the unborn; and
5WHEREAS, Charlie Kirk's life was a testament to his profound Christian faith,
6 with him serving not only as a vocal beacon of spiritual conviction, but as a modern
7 politically conservative leader who wove the principles of truth, justice, and divine
8 purpose into the fabric of public civil discourse, inspiring countless souls to stand firm in
9 their beliefs amid a culture often hostile to conviction; and
10WHEREAS, as a tireless free speech advocate, Charlie Kirk fought against
11 suppression by technology companies, university indoctrination, and government
12 overreach, ensuring that dissenting voices, especially those of the next generation, could
13 flourish in the public square, thereby preserving the First Amendment of the Constitution
14 of the United States as the bedrock of a free society; and
15WHEREAS, through relentless persecution, cancellation attempts, smears, and his
16 ultimate assassination, Charlie Kirk became a martyr for truth and liberty, enduring
17 personal and professional attacks with an unwavering resolve to expose corruption,
18 challenge prevailing narratives, and uphold objective reality in the face of censorship and
19 cultural decay; and
20WHEREAS, Charlie Kirk will be remembered for his many contributions to his
21 family, community, and nation, and will be deeply missed by all whose lives were
22 touched by his presence; and
23WHEREAS, Charlie Kirk is survived by his beloved wife, Erika Frantzve Kirk, his
24 two beloved children, and a host of other family members, friends, and loved ones; and
25WHEREAS, as a testament to Charlie Kirk's short but powerful tenure on this earth,
26 Kentuckians are encouraged on October 14, the date of his birth, to reflect on the
27 principles he championed, participate in educational events promoting civic engagement,
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1 and honor his legacy as a martyr for truth and liberty;
2NOW, THEREFORE,
3 Be it resolved by the Senate of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of
4 Kentucky:
5Section 1.       The Senate acknowledges the extraordinary accomplishments of
6 Charlie Kirk and recognizes the cultural and political impact he leaves behind.
7Section 2.       The Senate commits in perpetuating Charlie Kirk's legacy by
8 upholding the freedoms he died defending, encouraging all Kentuckians to honor his
9 sacrifice through steadfast commitment to uphold our national values of liberty, truth, and
10 open discourse.
11Section 3.       The Clerk of the Senate is directed to transmit a copy of this
12 Resolution to Senator Lindsey Tichenor, Senator Steve Rawlings, and the board of
13 directors of Turning Point USA.
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