In the week since the assassination of Charlie Kirk, lawmakers as well as institutions of higher learning have announced plans to erect statues in the conservative commentator’s memory.
Why It Matters
The fatal shooting of Kirk has resulted in strong sentiments across the political spectrum and on social media, provoking passionate discussions about the limits of free speech and the role of government and lawmakers in quelling political violence.
In the immediacy of Kirk’s death on September 10, American flags were ordered at half-staff by President Donald Trump. Countless vigils and social media campaigns have celebrated Kirk’s legacy and raised funds for his family and conservative organization Turning Point USA.
What To Know
Florida and Texas, two states with Republican governors and GOP legislatures, have announced intentions to never forget Kirk by erecting statues with his likeness.
The New College of Florida, a public liberal arts college in Sarasota, Florida, on Tuesday announced it would commission a statue of Kirk “to honor his legacy and incredible work after his tragic assassination last week.”
“The statue, privately funded by community leaders, will stand on campus as a commitment by New College to defend and fight for free speech and civil discourse in American life,” the college wrote on X. “The location for the statue will be announced in the coming months.”
In a statement shared with Newsweek, New College said the location for the statue—privately funded by community leaders—will be announced in the coming months.
The announcement coincides with the school’s launch of its 2025-2026 Socratic Stage series, a platform for academic freedom, public discourse and debate aimed “to ensure that students, faculty, and the wider community experience free speech and civil discourse at its highest level.”
The former private institution was overhauled by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who in the past two years removed six of the college’s 13 trustees and replaced them with conservative-leaning individuals.
James Uthmeier, who formerly served as DeSantis’ chief of staff and is now Florida attorney general, said at the time that the move aimed to make New College “Florida’s classical college, more along the lines of a Hillsdale of the South,” in reference to the private, conservative, Christian liberal arts college in Hillsdale, Michigan.
In Texas, lawmakers are taking the initiative to honor Kirk in their state’s capitol.
North Texas GOP Representative Jeff Leach said he would dedicate his first bill of the next regular legislative session to placing a statue of Kirk on the grounds of the Texas Capitol in downtown Austin.
“Charlie Kirk isn’t just a conservative activist—he is a civil rights icon,” Leach wrote on X. “And he should be honored and recognized accordingly.”
Leach added: “Generations of future Texans should know who Charlie was, what Charlie stood for and how—with the courage of his convictions, genuine kindness and an unabashed patriotism and pride in America—Charlie changed the course of our nation’s history.”
Republican Representative Joanne Shofner of Nacogdoches called Kirk “a Christian Martyr.”
Representative Nate Schatzline of Fort Worth said efforts should go further, with Kirk statues erected across universities statewide. He said on X that his first bill of the 90th legislative session will involve erecting a statue on the University of Texas-Austin campus.
“Free speech will be celebrated on Texas University Campuses. Civil discourse is how Charlie sparked a fire in the next generation! Now, it’s on us!” Schatzline said. “On 2nd thought… let’s do ALL campuses! May the next generation FIGHT for free speech & see revival on their campuses! It’s on us!”
Also, in the aftermath of Kirk’s death, Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick—both Republicans—announced formation of the Senate and House Select Committees on Civil Discourse & Freedom of Speech in Higher Education due to what the pair described as a statewide “responsibility to ensure its publicly funded institutions foster open dialogue and do not discriminate against students, faculty, or staff based on their beliefs.”
Other national efforts have been discussed, all the way up to Congress. Some Republicans have encouraged House Speaker Mike Johnson to support a Kirk statue at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
Others, like Representative Jimmy Patronis and Senator Rick Scott, have introduced a resolution designating Kirk’s birthday, October 14, as a “national day of remembrance.”
Co-sponsors include Representatives Aaron Bean, Mark Alford, Gus Bilirakis, Mike Collins, Carlos Gimenez, Anna Paulina Luna, Cory Mills, Barry Moore, Maria Salazar, Austin Scott, Greg Steube and Derrick Van Orden.
What People Are Saying
New College President Richard Corcoran, in a statement shared with Newsweek: “Charlie Kirk knew that universities are ground zero for free speech and the marketplace of ideas. These ideas are not luxuries, but the foundation of a free republic. His life and tragic death remind us all that a nation cannot survive if it abandons these rights. At New College, we will not step back from this responsibility—we will champion it and seek to be known as the number one college in the nation when it comes to supporting civil debate and freedom of speech.”
Matt Angle, founder of Democrat-supporting Lone Star Project, wrote on X: “Pathetic, performative exploitation.”
Senator Rick Scott on X: “Charlie’s life taught so many in our nation the importance of open debate and discussion of ideas you believe in. I will carry on the legacy my friend Charlie left behind, and am proud to honor his life with a resolution designating a national day of remembrance for him.”
What Happens Next
Texas legislators’ efforts are still far away though Republicans control both chambers of Congress.
Other pursuits in states like Illinois that have been encouraged by conservative lawmakers will have more difficulty passing due to the partisan composition of the state.