Speaker Burns: “Now Is the Time to Unite” in Memory of Charlie Kirk

On September 11, 2025, Georgia Speaker Jon Burns issued a heartfelt resolution honoring the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk, whose sudden death just a day earlier shocked the nation.

In his remarks, Burns reflected on the loss of a man who had become a recognizable voice for young people and for open discourse. “Charlie Kirk was a devout man of faith, loving husband, and devoted father,” Burns said. “He dedicated his life to sharing truth and encouraging open discourse—regardless of which side of the aisle you came from. No one was as instrumental in championing the conservative movement among America’s youth, and his legacy will live on through all those he inspired. Dayle and I are praying for Charlie’s wife and two young children as they face this heartbreaking loss. Now is the time for every American to unite in our resolve to put an end to political violence and hatred of any kind wherever it exists.”

Kirk’s story began in suburban Chicago, where he was born on October 14, 1993. By the age of 18, frustrated by the absence of a strong youth-focused organization, he launched Turning Point USA. What started as a small initiative quickly expanded into a nationwide presence, giving young Americans a platform to promote values such as fiscal responsibility, free markets, and individual liberty.

His determination propelled him into national prominence. At 22, he became the youngest speaker to appear at a Republican National Convention, and in 2020 he chaired Students for Trump. During the 2024 election cycle, the advocacy arm of his organization played a significant role in boosting youth turnout and energizing voters in battleground states. Through these efforts, Kirk inspired thousands of students to engage in the political process and speak openly about their convictions.

That trajectory came to a tragic end on September 10, 2025, when Kirk was fatally shot while engaging in debate with students during an event at Utah Valley University. His death underscored the urgent call to reject political violence in all its forms and reignited conversations about civility and respect in public life.

In the resolution, Burns emphasized not only Kirk’s achievements but also his character as a devoted husband and father. His passing, Burns noted, serves as a painful reminder of the need to build a culture that values dialogue over violence. “The life and memory of Charlie Kirk are honored, and the deepest and most sincere regret is expressed at his passing,” the resolution states.

As family, friends, and countless supporters mourn, Kirk’s legacy remains tied to the movement he created and the countless young people he motivated to find their voice. His influence will continue to resonate in classrooms, campuses, and communities across the country, where the call to engage in honest debate and remain steadfast in one’s beliefs carries forward the spirit of his work.