U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), serving as Senate Majority Whip, delivered remarks on the Senate floor to honor Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA. Barrasso’s speech followed a tragic event involving Kirk.
Turning Point USA was established thirteen years ago with the aim of challenging what it described as liberal indoctrination on college campuses. The organization began small but quickly grew into a prominent conservative presence at universities across the country.
Barrasso highlighted Kirk’s role in the movement, saying, “At the center of it all was a then-18 year-old patriot named Charlie Kirk. From students and parents to President Trump, they all admired Charlie. He was the college dropout who brought debate and dialogue back to our country.”
He also emphasized Kirk’s willingness to engage in open discussion: “For 13 years, Charlie did the most courageous thing in American life. He expressed his beliefs with an open heart. Yes, Charlie had strong political views. And he never feared having those views questioned by anyone on any topic. In fact, he welcomed it.”
Referring to an event titled “Prove Me Wrong,” Barrasso described it as “a fitting testament to Charlie’s fearlessness.” He noted that for his convictions and courage, Kirk became “the latest target of political violence.”
Barrasso reflected on knowing Kirk personally and praised his commitment to civil debate: “Many of us knew Charlie personally. As did I. He was a beacon for a better, brighter America. Charlie reminded all of us that civil debate makes our arguments sharper and our society better. We must live as Charlie lived during his all-too-brief life – with the courage of our convictions.”
He concluded his remarks by offering condolences: “God bless Charlie Kirk. May God bless Charlie’s family. May he rest in peace.”
