Charlie Kirk Messaged Me Right Before He Was Killed. Here’s What He Said

The day before Charlie Kirk was tragically murdered, he sent me a direct message on X. We had been publicly clashing over a horrific crime involving the death of a Ukrainian refugee. He argued that the killing — a Black man murdering a White woman — was driven purely by anti-White hate. I publicly pushed back, calling his claims inflammatory and unsupported. He then responded forcefully across his platforms, disagreeing with my take and rallying his audience in response.

As the online debate intensified, I began receiving an overwhelming wave of hateful, racist threats — the kind of online harassment that stays with you.

Then something unexpected happened: Charlie reached out directly.

His Message Surprised Me

Amidst the hostility and chaos, Kirk sent me a message that was surprisingly civil. He wrote:

“Hey, Van, I mean it, I’d love to have you on my show to have a respectful conversation about crime and race. I would be a gentleman as I know you would be as well. We can disagree about the issues agreeably.”

Before I could respond, the unthinkable happened — Charlie Kirk was shot and killed, apparently targeted for his words. Authorities are still investigating the motive, but what’s clear is that political violence has claimed yet another American life.

I’ve strongly opposed many of Kirk’s ideas over the years — and I’ve said so. But opposing someone’s words is not the same as endorsing violence against them. Every American has the right to speak their mind and return safely home to their family. That principle must never be compromised.

No Justification for Murder

I immediately condemned the killing, publicly and without hesitation. Political violence has no place in a free society. It is cowardly and dangerous — and it’s tearing at the fabric of this country.

I was born in 1968, an era rocked by assassinations and civil unrest. We should never return to those days. And yet, in the wake of this tragedy, some voices are irresponsibly escalating the rhetoric — calling for more violence, even civil war. Others are trying to use this as a reason to silence opposing views.

That’s not what Charlie Kirk wanted.

Despite our differences, his final message to me proves he was seeking more dialogue, not less. More conversation, not censorship. More civility, not chaos.

We Still Have a Choice

What happens next is up to all of us. If you’re on the Right, resist the urge to use this tragedy as fuel for division. If you’re on the Left, don’t fall into the trap of thinking every opponent is beyond redemption. Kirk didn’t give up on open debate — and neither will I.

Let’s not let political violence become the new normal. Let’s not be fooled by the loudest voices online — many of whom wouldn’t last a minute in a real conflict. The real power lies in staying committed to dialogue, debate, and the peaceful exchange of ideas.

We owe that much to Charlie Kirk, whose final act wasn’t one of provocation — but an invitation to talk. That’s the legacy we should carry forward.