Christian actor and podcaster Kirk Cameron on Friday described Charlie Kirk as “a man the world could not afford to lose” in a video honoring the slain 31-year-old activist.
In the nearly 20-minute video reflecting on the legacy Kirk is leaving behind, Cameron compared the Turning Point USA founder to a “modern day version” of Saint Telemachus, a gentle preacher known for quietly advocating for peace around 400 A.D.
“I believe that Charlie is a modern day Telemachus,” Cameron said.
While in Rome, Telemachus jumped into the Roman Coliseum, where a gladiatorial contest was underway after a victory by the Roman Empire, a common celebration ritual after military successes. Confident these bloody battles contradicted Scripture and the value God places on human lives, Telemachus tried interfering, pleading with the gladiators and the crowd for the violence to stop.
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But it didn’t work; no one listened — at least not then. Telemachus was stoned to death by onlookers for his commitment to his Christian values.
News of the saint’s death quickly spread, ultimately reaching Emperor Honorius, who was shocked such a kindly and gentle monk was slain while advocating for peace. Soon thereafter, gladiatorial contests were entirely banned — a direct result of Telemachus’ bold dedication to his faith.
“His courage and his sacrifice shook the emperor Flavius Honorius to his core and, not long after that, the gladiatorial games were banned forever,” Cameron said. “One man’s death becomes the turning point for a whole culture of death. And I believe that Charlie is a modern day Telemachus.”
He continued, “[Charlie’s] courage to speak the truth in love, his willingness to put everything on the line that is right to honor God and care for others will not be wasted. Just like Telemachus, Charlie’s death — I believe — is a turning point for America. His life, his courage, his integrity, yes, even his brutal death, fuel my own commitment to be salt and light in this world, to shine light in the darkness, to confront and repel corruption, to preserve truth, beauty, and goodness. And I believe in the mysterious and wise providence of God, that He is still working all things together for the good, even this.”
Cameron went on to say he has “full confidence” Kirk “is fine right now” because he is “in the presence of Jesus” and is “with his heroes.”
“He is part of that great cloud of witnesses we read about in the book of Hebrews, cheering us on from the balcony of heaven,” he added, referring to Hebrews 12:1.
Cameron’s statement about Kirk’s assassination comes one day after Turning Point USA announced it had unanimously elected the TPUSA founder’s wife, Erika, as its new CEO and chair of the board.
“Charlie prepared all of us for a moment like this one,” the board stated in part. “He worked tirelessly to ensure Turning Point USA was built to survive even the greatest tests. And now, it is our great pride to announce Erika Kirk as the new CEO and chair of the board for Turning Point USA.”
A memorial service honoring the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk is scheduled for Saturday at the home of the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale. Tens of thousands are expected to descend on the stadium, where President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance — among others — are expected to speak.
You can watch a livestream of the service on the CBN News YouTube channel beginning at 2 p.m. Eastern on Saturday.
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