The United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, highlighted this Sunday the wisdom, boldness, and commitment to dialogue of the conservative leader Charlie Kirk, who was killed on September 10 during a university conference in Utah.
At the beginning of his remarks, Rubio recalled a conversation with Charlie Kirk. "I was skeptical. I said to him, 'Are you really going to do that on college campuses? Why not start with something easier, like communist Cuba?' But my skepticism turned out to be mistaken," the secretary of state recalled.
During the funeral held at the State Farm Stadium in Arizona, before more than 70,000 people, Rubio paid tribute to someone he considered an example of civic virtue in American politics.
"It's incredible how much he knew. (...) He was constantly expanding his horizons, but he didn't just have knowledge; he had wisdom, great wisdom for a man as young as he was," Rubio recounted during his speech.
He emphasized that Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA and host of the podcast The Charlie Kirk Show, “had a wisdom that sometimes takes a lifetime to acquire, and he possessed it by just 31 years of age.”
In addition to his intellectual capacity, the Secretary of State praised the deceased's open and dialogical attitude.
"He was also bold. He sought to engage in peaceful, respectful dialogue with those he disagreed with. He did this on university campuses, in podcasts, on radio shows, and on television. Time and again, he tried to involve those he disagreed with in the debate because he understood that we were not made to isolate ourselves, but to interact."
In Rubio's view, “one of the things the United States needs is the ability to discuss differences in an open, honest, peaceful, and respectful manner,” and he concluded: “Charlie Kirk has done more for that than anyone else alive in the United States.”
Trump's intervention
The president Donald Trump was responsible for closing the segment of speakers at the funeral, which brought together prominent figures from the conservative movement and his administration.
“He was a missionary with a noble spirit and a great purpose. He didn’t hate his opponents. He wanted the best for them,” said Trump, who added, “That’s where I disagreed with Charlie. I hate my opponent. And I don’t want what’s best for him.”
Trump described Kirk's killer as a "radicalized and cold-blooded monster" and continues to demand that he be severely punished under U.S. law.
Kirk's widow forgives the killer
Erika Kirk, the widow of the influencer, also took part in the ceremony and surprised everyone by publicly forgiving the perpetrator of the crime.
"I forgive them," he said after quoting the words of Jesus on the cross: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do," he expressed.
Charlie Kirk was killed by Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old, during an event at Utah Valley University. The attacker was apprehended days later.
The crime has been classified as a new episode of political violence in the United States, where recent murders have also been recorded, including that of Melissa Hortman, the former president of the Minnesota House, and her husband, as well as the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, Brian Thompson, in New York.
Hours before the event, the Secret Service arrested an armed man who attempted to enter the stadium. The suspect, identified as Joshua Runkles, was carrying a gun and a knife and exhibited "suspicious behavior," according to authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Murder of Charlie Kirk and Its Impact on American Politics
Who was Charlie Kirk and why is he an important figure in American conservatism?
Charlie Kirk was an influential conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, an organization that promotes conservatism on college campuses. At just 18 years old, he founded this organization and became a close ally of Donald Trump, advocating for conservative policies and free market principles. His assassination has sparked a debate about political violence in the United States.
How did Charlie Kirk die and who is the main suspect?
Charlie Kirk was shot dead during an event at Utah Valley University. The main suspect is Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old, who was arrested after a religious pastor convinced his father to turn him in to the authorities. The murder is being investigated as a crime motivated by ideological reasons.
What has been the reaction of the U.S. government and Donald Trump to the death of Charlie Kirk?
President Donald Trump has called Charlie Kirk a "martyr of truth and freedom" and has promised justice. Trump announced that Kirk will posthumously receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Additionally, he has blamed the "radical left" for creating a climate of hate that led to the murder. The administration has also warned that it could deny visas to foreigners who celebrate Kirk's assassination.
What impact has the assassination of Charlie Kirk had on the debate about political violence in the United States?
The assassination of Charlie Kirk has reopened the debate on political violence in the United States, intensifying the polarization in an already divided country. The university community has criticized the lack of security during the event, and the discussion on social media has focused both on remembering him as a patriot and on questioning the policies he defended. The situation has also generated reactions in the diplomatic sphere and has led to symbolic measures in his honor.
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