Charlie Kirk’s brutal political assassination was a wakeup call across America. The world watched as a bullet took his life, and then we watched, in equal horror, at the reprehensible rhetoric that followed his death.
Before Charlie Kirk was even pronounced dead, liberal MSNBC pundits said the bullet was probably fired from one of Charlie’s “supporters” who may have “accidentally fired their gun in celebration.” Some professors at colleges and universities across the country, including my home state of South Carolina, cheered his death and tried to justify Charlie’s killing. Radical lunatics on the Left even called his memorial service a Nazi rally, ridiculed his grieving widow, and said his two young children are better off without him.
All of this hatred because Charlie Kirk simply wanted to debate ideas. His mission was to create dialogue and civil discourse on college campuses. He wanted to teach young people to vehemently disagree but still have thoughtful conversations – to argue one’s beliefs and think independently and critically.
Of course, free speech is the bedrock of our Constitution, and it protects us from government censorship and criminal charges. But, and this is important, it does not mean words are free from consequences. After several educators and other public professionals were dismissed for glorifying murder on public platforms, the American Left is calling foul. They’re saying conservatives are now engaging in “cancel culture” and attacking freedom of speech. What they fail to realize is that accountability is not cancel culture.
An off-color joke made when someone was 19 is very different from someone making inflammatory remarks in real time that undermine the trust placed in their position, especially when it promotes, justifies, or even celebrates violence. And as a result when we confuse accountability with censorship or cancel culture, we empower dangerous voices and threaten the very safety of our communities. Let me be clear: celebrating or justifying cold-blooded murder is never acceptable and employers are justified for firing individuals that make these statements. In fact, it’s the only rational position for these employers to take.
Freedom of speech does not mean an absence of responsibility. Professors at Clemson University, or anyone else for that matter, shouldn’t be jailed for their reprehensible comments. But that doesn’t mean their behavior comes without consequences. Holding individuals accountable for their actions can serve to protect our society as a whole. You’re still entitled to your stupid opinion, but that doesn’t mean people will agree with it or that you should get a free pass.
I believe the First Amendment serves as the fundamental foundation of our Constitution by safeguarding speech from government control. Throughout my career as Attorney General I have worked to protect this fundamental, God-given right. But I’ve found that people don’t actually know what free speech means. For example, you can not go into a crowded building and yell “fire!” It means you can share your ideas without fear of being jailed. But it does not mean you can say whatever you want without responsibility. Actions do have consequences.
It’s up to us to demand accountability. To teach our young people accordingly and call balls and strikes when we see them. The recent abhorrent display of violence masqueraded as free expression must be dealt with seriously. Employers, especially educational institutions, should take immediate disciplinary measures against staff members who promote extremist violent beliefs. And if people protest that line of thinking, I’d ask why? Why do you think it’s okay for celebrating violence to go unpunished? Why does the Left accept forced pronoun policies but shudder at the thought of holding people accountable for cheering murder?
Our nation is at a turning point. We should ask ourselves what it will take to build a society where disagreements are debated with civility, where differences are not met with violence, and where our children inherit a country that values life, liberty, and community above all else. That is how we can honor Charlie Kirk’s life. That is how we make sure his work was not in vain.
Charlie often spoke of the power of the grassroots, the power of ordinary people rising up to make an extraordinary difference and the importance of faith. It is up to the rest of us to carry that vision forward. We cannot let this tragedy silence us or divide us. Instead, we must be unified in our determination to live boldly, to speak freely, and to stand together as Americans.
Let us honor Charlie Kirk’s legacy by living out the values he so fiercely defended, faith, courage, love of country, and the unwavering belief in the promise of America. Like Charlie Kirk, I believe America’s best days are yet to come.
Alan Wilson was elected South Carolina’s 51st Attorney General in 2010. His X handle is @AGAlanWilson
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