Charlie Kirk was a Christian American conservative political activist, a co-founder of TPUSA (Turning Point USA) and a father of two children. He is well known for going to college campuses and debating students and speaking in podcasts and interviews.
On Sept. 10th, 2025 he was killed by a gunshot wound to the left side of his neck, dying within half a minute due to the large amount of blood loss before he was even brought to the car. “He was a martyr, plain and simple. He spoke his beliefs about the gospel and politics and was killed for it,” said senior Dillon Kraus. His death was a shock to many at that moment, as well as days after his death.
The Sunday following his death saw an unbelievable increase in church attendance across the country. Many people either returned or went for the first time after Kirk’s murder. The nation witnessed a religious revival and awakening that hasn’t been seen since 9/11, a previous event that also made church attendance soar. In Tennessee, Foothill Church experienced a 65% jump in first-time guests. This large influx of people going to church and repenting is known as the “Charlie Kirk Effect.”
The “Charlie Kirk Effect” described the colossal wave of spiritual searching among Americans, especially among millennials and college students. Many were deeply moved by Kirk’s courage and public faith.
For many, Charlie Kirk’s commitment to his faith sparked a religious movement. “As to why Charlie’s death was the turning point, pun not intended, I do not know. He made many people be more on the fence or leaning towards Christianity, “said Kraus. “But I do not know why his death would make them want to give their life to Jesus. But I do know that it is from God’s providence.” This prompted deep spiritual introspection, renewed Bible reading and religious practice spurred a sense of urgency to search for meaning.
The raw grief over Kirk’s death led many people to seek answers and solace. His death caused many people to consider the Bible as an answer to what drove Charlie Kirk to continually put himself at risk to share the gospel. “I personally saw a huge surge in church attendance and God being more prevalent in secular activities,” said youth group leader Eddie Bradshaw. “We live in a ‘fix it’ world, and post 9/11, no one knew how to fix it. People finally turned to God for answers, not everyone but there was a definitive surge in church attendance.”
The cross, which was once a symbol for pain and condemnation, was turned into a symbol of Christianity because of Jesus defeating death. This is similar to the event of Kirk’s death, as it transforms the nation into a religious revival. “Charlie’s assassination has shaken many of us, but it’s also awakened a sense of urgency. People are asking big questions about faith, morality and the role of the church in society,” said Pastor Craig Dyson of Convo Church.
The death of Charlie Kirk brought many Christians and non-Christians to deeply reflect, introspectively. The topic of an existing God and a morally “correct” way of life is one that is seldom acknowledged. His death forced people to search for answers, and much of that search brought them to church. Kirk’s passing called for an awakening and a revival among the people of the United States, whether or not people agreed with him or not.
