Bruce Pearl addressed the hurt felt by many Auburn University students in the wake of Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk's assassination at Utah Valley University. On Wednesday afternoon, Pearl spoke fondly of Kirk's legacy while also sending a message to the world:
Keep the violent rhetoric down in response to this violent tragedy.
"Charlie was an optimist! He was leading a revival of conservative Christian values and the happiness it could lead to! Charlie is irreplaceable! A true evangelist. 'if you disagree with me, step up to the front of the line.' Condolences to his family and the young people of this country. Many in our Auburn student body are horrified tonight, you young patriots who love our country like Charlie. For now let's morn, keep the violent rhetoric down and then live our best lives, committed to making this country better," Pearl tweeted.
Pearl also retweeted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's message in the minutes following the shooting at a TPUSA event.
"Charlie Kirk was murdered for speaking truth and defending freedom. A lion-hearted friend of Israel, he fought the lies and stood tall for Judeo-Christian civilization. I spoke to him only two weeks ago and invited him to Israel. Sadly, that visit will not take place. We lost an incredible human being.
His boundless pride in America and his valiant belief in free speech will leave a lasting impact.
Rest in peace, Charlie Kirk," Netanyahu tweeted.
Kirk is survived by his wife, Erika Frantzve, whom he married in May 2021, and his two young children, a son and a daughter.