John,

Charlie Kirk had an infectious spirit. The energy he brought to every event was off the charts. He was a force for good, with a beautiful wife and young kids. He was just 31. And now he's gone.

I joined Jesse Watters on Fox News to talk about Charlie’s legacy, and here’s what I told him: My sadness at hearing the news has been overcome with anger. Charlie was assassinated—murdered for political purposes—because he dared to bring truth to hostile ground. He didn’t play it safe in a red district. He went where the fight was hottest—college campuses. And he didn’t back down.

He told students: “Ask me tough questions. I’ll be respectful and civil—but I’m going to tell you what I believe.” That took guts. That’s leadership. That’s what this country needs more of.

Now we face a wound that strikes at the heart of the Republic. If we cannot disagree safely, we cannot be free. Republican government cannot endure where violence replaces debate.

This didn't come out of nowhere. The intolerance on campuses has been building for years. We’ve seen it—speakers shouted down, students attacked. But this? This was a sniper. This was the most extreme we’ve ever seen. And it demands consequences.

Charlie left a legacy—but he also left a challenge. Charlie knew he was going into the lion’s den. He probably got threats almost every time he went. But he went anyway. 

Now it’s our turn to defend the right to speak. To disagree. To have the courage to stand for our principles. That’s how we honor him. 

Thank you,

Gov. Ron DeSantis