January 1, Conservatives Respond With Faith After Kirk Slaying

Wyatt’s Take

• Conservatives chose revival, not violence, after Charlie Kirk’s death.
• Speakers at his memorial contrasted this reaction with left-wing riots after George Floyd’s death.
• Faith and peace stood at the center of the conservative response.

After the assassination of Charlie Kirk, conservatives gathered in Phoenix to celebrate his life without resorting to violence or chaos.

Kirk’s widow Erika told the packed stadium.

“After Charlie’s assassination, we didn’t see violence. We didn’t see rioting.”

Instead, she said Americans witnessed something her husband had long hoped for: a sense of revival.

On social media, many conservatives pointed out how their reaction to Kirk’s murder stood in sharp contrast to the unrest that followed George Floyd’s death in 2020.

Back then, progressive demonstrators caused destruction and cost cities hundreds of millions in damages.

Democratic politicians, they argued, encouraged protests that led to burned businesses and a spike in violent crime that especially hurt Black communities.

Mehek Cooke, an RNC surrogate, told a reporter.

“Let’s be blunt: when Charlie Kirk was assassinated, conservatives didn’t riot, loot or torch cities. As Erika said we gathered, we prayed and we embraced revival.”

“That’s the difference between the Right and the Left – and it’s clear as day. Conservatives don’t respond with destruction, because our movement is fueled by faith, not rage.”

She compared this to leftist riots after Floyd’s death that left cities and neighborhoods ruined.

“clear as day.”

Brilyn Hollyhand, a young conservative commentator and Kirk’s friend, said his response was prayer, not destruction.

“My first thought was prayer. Prayer for his soul, his family and his team.”

He shared that instead of anger or senseless acts, Hollyhand vowed to further Kirk’s mission on college campuses, promoting civil discussion and traditional American values.

Vigils and memorials for Kirk have taken place nationwide, even as some faced vandalism.

Erika Kirk addressed the crowd about the young suspect, saying her husband wanted to save young men and responding with forgiveness.

“Our Savior said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’ That young man… I forgive him.”

“I forgive him because it was what Christ did, and it’s what Charlie would do.”

In the years since the Floyd riots, violent demonstrations have continued when Republicans put policies in place.

Democrats often labeled the events

“peaceful”

even as taxpayers foot the bill for the destruction.

Americans from all backgrounds have shown their respect for Kirk, gathering at colleges and public spaces to honor his message and reject violence as a way forward.

Read the full story here

Wyatt Matters

When tragedy hits, real American values shine through as folks come together to grieve, pray and build each other up. The answer wasn’t rage or revenge—it was faith, family and community, proving the heartland still leads with strength and hope.