Karoline Leavitt’s Tribute to Charlie Kirk Brings Audience to Its Feet

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt delivered one of the most powerful moments of Sunday’s vigil in Washington, D.C., honoring the late Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. Her remarks highlighted Kirk’s devotion to faith, family, and country — values the left has spent years trying to tear down.

“Charlie Kirk was a maverick, an independent-minded person, who had the courage of his convictions,” Leavitt said, praising Kirk as a leader who gave America’s youth an example worth following.

Leavitt pointed to the cultural rot infecting America’s institutions, noting:

“When so many influential voices in our society are brainwashing young people to abandon our faith, to stay single, not to have children, and to bash our country, Charlie Kirk offered us an alternative path.”

She then declared:

“Charlie embraced our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and proclaimed the Gospel boldly and proudly.”

At that line, the crowd erupted in sustained applause, standing in agreement with Kirk’s bold witness for Christ.

Leavitt reminded the crowd that Kirk never shied away from defending family and tradition:

“He encouraged young people to get married and to have children — and as a young person who has done it — I encourage you to do that, as well. It is the best thing in life. It is the ultimate legacy that we can leave, and our most important mission on this Earth.”

She also emphasized his unwavering love for America:

“Charlie celebrated American exceptionalism. He firmly believed and he proclaimed that America is the greatest country in history of the world.”

A Legacy Interrupted by Political Violence

Kirk’s life was cut short Wednesday when he was assassinated during a campus event in Utah. The killing has intensified concerns about the rise of left-wing political violence, a menace that continues to threaten public life.

As many have noted, even President Donald Trump has been the target of two assassination attempts in the past year, occurring just 64 days apart.

Kirk’s global reach has been made evident in the wake of his murder, with vigils and tributes pouring in across the United States and beyond.

The tragedy underscores not only Kirk’s enduring influence, but also the urgent need to confront and dismantle the radical forces driving violence against conservatives.

Watch the full moment here: