Analysis: Our democracy depends on using words, not weapons, to resolve differences

As the leader of Turning Point USA, Charlie Kirk was a frequent political speaker at events like the 2024 Republican National Convention, pictured above. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Today, as people grieve for Charlie Kirk and express fears about what his death might portend for the future of American politics, his own words are bringing comfort and starting conversations.

Politicians, pundits and free speech groups are emphasizing the point that a functioning democracy depends on resolving differences with words, not weapons.

Many Kirk fans have re-upped an old clip of Kirk making that very point. In the undated clip, Kirk talked with a woman who asked about his “Prove Me Wrong” events on college campuses. The video has gained newfound attention across X, Instagram and TikTok, an