Tim Manke: Standing United Against Violence, Protecting Democracy

Like many of you, I am still reeling from the tragic news of Charlie Kirk’s assassination Wednesday. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, his wife, and his two young children. Their grief is unimaginable.

Charlie Kirk embodied the courage to speak freely, a right at the heart of our democracy, one that must be protected for all, regardless of political belief. The right of free speech is endangered when we live in fear of violence for speaking out. Without free speech, there is no dialogue, only monologue; there is no democracy.

This tragedy transcends political lines. An attack on free speech is an attack on democracy itself, and we must stand together to reject violence in any form.

We must never allow fear or violence to silence our voices. Political expression must be rooted in dialogue, respect, and our shared commitment to democratic values.

We as a people should and must be better than this. We must all condemn this senseless killing and stand united to protect everyone’s right to free speech.

— Tim Manke