On September 10, 2025, Charlie Kirk, an American activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was tragically killed during a live debate while speaking to an audience on the campus of Utah Valley University. The debate was meant to be a discussion on government and current issues, but it quickly turned into a shocking tragedy that left many in disbelief. Many people were stunned by what happened, while others expressed mixed feelings due to his outspoken views.
Positive Opinions
People have different views on this tragic accident. Two anonymous individuals from Miami High shared positive views on Charlie Kirk and what he represents to them. The first person expressed that they admire Charlie Kirk because he encourages young people to get involved in government and think for themselves. They respect how he speaks confidently about his beliefs and does not back down when others disagree. They also appreciate that he started his own organization at a young age and uses his platform to promote ideas like personal responsibility, free speech, and traditional values.
The second person said they see Charlie Kirk as someone who gives a voice to people who feel unheard in government conversations. They like that he challenges common opinions and pushes people to question what they are told by the media. In their view, his passion and energy make him stand out, and they believe he inspires love for the country and open discussion among young Americans.
Negative Opinions
On the other hand, many expressed strong disagreements with Charlie Kirk’s beliefs and public statements. One anonymous person from Miami Senior High said they strongly disliked him and even celebrated that there were “no more Trump supporters,” showing deep disagreement.
Stacy Peña, a Miami High senior, explained that she doesn’t agree with his government views and chooses not to talk about him because he doesn’t interest her at all. Miami High junior Ace Coleman stated he disagreed with many of Kirk’s statements and didn’t look up to him, though he still offered sympathy for Kirk’s family.
Another anonymous person from Miami High criticized Kirk for “ignoring minorities and not caring about real-world issues like poverty, abortion, and taxes, believing he cared more about white supremacists than marginalized groups.”
Preventing Future Tragedies
When asked what could be done differently to prevent something like this from happening again, students offered a range of ideas. Miami High sophomore, Marion Moore, and another anonymous girl supported stronger security measures, advising everyone to “be aware of your surroundings.”
Some students like Javaughn Johnson and one anonymous girl believed that avoiding heated government topics in public could help reduce violent reactions.
Others focused on the importance of open-mindedness. One anonymous girl stated that “being open to all points of view” and avoiding false information could prevent conflict. Together, their responses showed that students value both safety and respect when discussing sensitive issues in society.
First Reactions and How Students Found Out
Most students said they were shocked when they first heard the news. Ace Coleman admitted he was surprised but quickly “kept it pushing.” Many students said they learned about the tragedy through social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. Many of them first thought it was a joke until they saw more posts and news confirming it. One anonymous girl explained that she saw a tribute to Kirk while scrolling on Instagram, and after reading the comments, she realized it was real.
The role of social media in spreading news, sometimes faster than official outlets, was a key theme among the students. Marion Moore and Javaughn Johnson both described their reactions as disbelief and sadness, especially since the incident happened in front of Kirk’s family.
Students’ Condolences
When sending their condolences, nearly all students expressed sympathy toward Kirk’s family, despite having mixed feelings about his government beliefs. Ace Coleman shared that he prays for Kirk’s children and hopes they “can grow to live a happy life without their father.” Marion Moore encouraged the family to “keep your heads up,” while an anonymous girl said she hopes the family receives healing and support. Another anonymous girl offered a caring message, saying, “Nobody deserves to see their husband die… I pay my respects to the people around him and the people he influenced.” Even those who disagreed with his ideas still showed empathy toward his loved ones, separating their opinions from the tragedy itself.
Media Coverage and Public Reaction
Students had divided opinions on how the media covered the story. Some felt that the media “covered it too much,” arguing that Kirk received more attention than needed for someone they viewed as a controversial figure.
Others believed the story was reported fairly, since it was “big news” and widely discussed. A few students, including one anonymous boy, criticized the coverage for being one-sided, saying that “most of the videos… are from leftist people who can’t think on the other side.” Another anonymous girl argued that “the media is biased,” explaining that algorithms only show people what they already believe.
Hopes for the Future
When asked what they hoped would come from this event, many students spoke about change, awareness, and unity. Ace Coleman said he hopes the United States “learns to protect and defend from tragedies like this.” Javaughn Johnson added that people should “not judge others by their opinions” and remember the importance of free speech. One anonymous girl expressed that society should be more empathetic, even when we disagree.
