[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 149 (Thursday, September 11, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6563-S6564]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                         Charlie Kirk Shooting

  Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I would like to begin today by 
addressing the tragic event that occurred yesterday.
  Thirteen years ago, an organization called Turning Point USA was 
launched to fight back against liberal indoctrination that was 
occurring on college campuses. It began, as you know, as a little 
organization. It quickly grew into a dominant force of conservatism on 
college campuses. It became a national movement.

  At the center of this was an 18-year-old young patriot named Charlie 
Kirk. From students and parents, all the way to President Trump, they 
all admired Charlie. He was a college dropout who brought debate and 
dialogue back to our country. For 13 years, Charlie did the most 
courageous thing in American life: He expressed his beliefs with an 
open heart. Yes, Charlie had strong political views, and he never 
feared having those views questioned by anyone, on any topic. In fact, 
as the Presiding Officer knows, he welcomed it.

[[Page S6564]]

  Well, the name of yesterday's event was ``Prove Me Wrong.'' It was a 
fitting testimony to Charlie's fearlessness. For those political 
convictions, for that personal courage, Charlie became the latest 
target of political violence.
  Many of us knew Charlie personally, as did I. The Presiding Officer 
and I were with him in October--October 31. We were with him in 
Phoenix, AZ, during a campaign event with President Trump. He became a 
beacon for a better, brighter America. Charlie reminded all of us that 
civil debate makes our arguments sharper, and it makes our society 
better.
  We must live as Charlie lived during his all-too-brief life: with 
courage and with conviction. God bless Charlie Kirk. May God bless his 
family, and may he rest in peace.