Press Release
Condemning political violence in all formsSmith speaks at Ocean County vigil for Charlie Kirk and other victims of political violenceTonight, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) is joining Ocean County elected officials and local leaders in condemning the assassination of Charlie Kirk and honoring all victims of political and social violence, including Iryna Zarutska and former Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives Melissa Hortman, at a widely-attended candlelight vigil in Berkeley Township, New Jersey. Hosted by Ocean County GOP Chairman George Gilmore, the vigil is also being attended by Congressman Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ), State Senator Carmen Amato (R), Assemblyman Brian Rumpf (R), Assemblyman Greg Myhre (R), the entire Ocean County Board of Commissioners, and Berkeley Mayor John Bacchione (R). In a powerful demonstration of solidarity and renewed commitment to civility in civil discourse, local leaders and elected officials are gathering to denounce the recent surge of political violence in the United States, as well as honor and memorialize all those who have been attacked, censored, or murdered for their beliefs. The vigil was organized in response to the horrific assassination of Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and political commentator, on September 10, 2025, the brutal murder of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on August 22, 2025, and the tragic assassinations of Minnesota House of Representatives Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, on June 14, 2025. Smith’s full remarks are provided below: Erika Kirk’s beautiful eulogy for her beloved husband, Charlie, on Sunday was powerful—and inspiring. A woman of deep faith and strength, Erika said that when she saw Charlie’s body, it was a moment of horror and a level of heartache that she never knew existed. Yet like Jesus on the cross, she said she forgives the man who assassinated her husband. And that a major focus of Charlie’s ministry was the lost boys of the west—like his assassin. Astonishing. What faith. What strength. We need to pray for her and her children. I say again, we need to pray for Erika and her children. Charlie Kirk was an extraordinarily bright and incredibly courageous leader, who loved Jesus above all things, who deeply loved his dear wife, Erika, and children, and ever true to the Lord’s admonition in Leviticus 18:19 and Matthew 22:39, he loved his neighbor as himself—loving even those who hated and smeared him. He was absolutely committed to non-violence and to treating everyone with respect. Political assassination is the ultimate act of violence, disrespect and cowardice. Presidents Abraham Lincoln, James Garfield, William McKinley, and John F. Kennedy were assassinated by cowards, and President Trump survived a bullet aimed at his head that miraculously only grazed his ear. This past June, Minnesota State Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were assassinated—again, by a coward. Violence is never justified. Never. In our democracy, disagreement must only be engaged with dialogue. Charlie Kirk faithfully lived the good news of the Gospel and inspired many to emulate his faith, goodness, tenacity, benign boldness, and courage in the public square. Asked how he would want to be remembered, Charlie said he wanted to be remembered for the courage of his faith. And so, he will. With clarity, he fought evil, which often masquerades as a wolf in sheep’s clothing, or as an angel of light. He was proudly pro-life and cared deeply for mothers, fathers, and their precious born and unborn children—the family. He championed the culture of life to protect the weakest and most vulnerable. Charlie Kirk brought bright light to darkness and exposed hypocrisy and misguided policies. He brilliantly led by both word and example. Not only did he pierce the fog of modern-day leftist deception and doublespeak, he persuaded with sound argument, and as Abraham Lincoln urged—with malice towards none. As Charlie’s mentor, Frank Turek, said so eloquently at Sunday’s Memorial Service, Charlie Kirk strived every day to make heaven itself more crowded with brand new saints. Saints like Charlie, who courageously defended their faith. His impact on the young was—and continues to be—especially amazing. As Charlie himself predicted, Turning Point would never be a flash in the pan movement. Tonight, we not only remember and honor the great Charlie Kirk, but recommit ourselves to his noble goals. ### Contact: |