Organizations involved in the gun-control debate have begun speaking out about the September 10 assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk at a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
As of this writing, the suspected shooter still hadn’t been apprehended by law enforcement, although the gun used in the shooting had been found and the FBI was reviewing video of a suspect, hoping to identify him with facial recognition software.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the firearm industry trade association, said in a released statement that it is grieving the death of the 31-year-old Kirk, who was a husband and father to two young children.
“This targeted assassination of Kirk, in what can only be understood as a measure to silence his voice and ideas, is vile,” the statement said. “There is nothing—absolutely nothing—that could justify political violence against Kirk, who sought to engage his fellow citizens in civil discourse. This assassin is the manifestation of evil, and NSSF remains confident that local, state and federal authorities will find and bring this individual to justice.”
As NSSF also pointed out, Kirk was a man who challenged ideas with ideas, and he openly debated those who vehemently disagreed with him.
“He believed in free and spirited exchange of ideas and using words to reach millions of young adults across America’s college campuses,” the NSSF said. “Kirk was also a man of deep-rooted and unapologetic faith in his Creator. He was dedicated to preserving and exercising our American rights granted by that Creator and guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, including not just the First Amendment right of free speech but also the Second Amendment rights to keep and bear arms.”
Ultimately, the NSSF said there is a time for grief and a time for standing up for freedom’s future.
“Today, we grieve,” the statement concluded. “We also commit ourselves to advancing the principles which Kirk held dear, that freedom of thought and expression of rights cannot be compromised, that this nation is truly unique and preserving the nation’s liberties requires each of us to enter the arena.”
The pro-gun organization Gun Owners of America (GOA) also lamented Kirk’s murder and what it would mean for freedom. Through its 2A Defenders program, GOA and sister organization Gun Owners Foundation has long supported Turning Point USA and Kirk’s work on college campuses.
“Charlie Kirk founded TPUSA to inspire a generation of young leaders to fight for constitutional principles,” Erich Pratt, GOA senior vice president, said in a press release addressing the murder. “His vision has empowered youth nationwide, and we have been honored to support that mission. The violence towards Charlie and other conservative political figures is evil and uncalled for. Now, more than ever, our right to defend ourselves against those who would do us harm must be protected.”