The broadcast media company that Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk worked for has responded to the conservative political figure’s assassination on Wednesday at a public appearance held on the campus of Utah Valley University.
So has the AM radio station owned by John Catsimaditis, where Kirk once held an on-air shift before going national.
Salem Media Group, in a statement, shared that it was with “profound sorrow” that the company led by David Santrella mourns Kirk. “This was a cowardly and vile act of violence, carried out to silence one of America’s boldest Christian conservative voices,” the company shared. “Our hearts are shattered for Charlie’s wife, family, friends, colleagues, and the countless people whose lives he touched through his words, his work, and his unwavering commitment to faith and country.”
Santrella added, “Charlie was more than a broadcaster—he was a fearless defender of truth and a faithful servant of God. This assassination was not just an attack on Charlie, it was an attack on free speech and on the values Charlie championed every day. His absence leaves a tremendous void, but his legacy of faith, courage, and conviction will continue to inspire generations.”
Bradley Parscale, who serves as Chief Strategy Officer of Salem Media, has worked with Kirk for nearly a decade. “He was part of the Salem family,” Parscale said. “His voice was fearless, unyielding, and relentless in the defense of faith and freedom. This heinous act of evil was meant to silence him, but as Christians, we know darkness cannot overcome the light. Charlie’s influence cannot and will not be silenced.”
Kirk’s “uncompromising defense of biblical values, liberty, and truth” led some to go onto social media to assail his viewpoints and several past statements. In the 8am Eastern hour, so did NPR’s All Things Considered, which made a point that Kirk had once labeled Vice President Kamala Harris a “DEI hire.” Democrats including former President Barack Obama had condemned Kirk in the past for many of his publicly stated comments, including those that discounted those who practice Islam as un-American.
Harris, on the social media platform X, commented on Kirk’s murder by an individual who is still at large and believed to be in the age range of a university student. “I am deeply disturbed by the shooting in Utah,” the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee said, noting that husband Doug Emhoff and Harris “send our prayers to Charlie Kirk and his family. Let me be clear: Political violence has no place in America. I condemn this act, and we all must work together to ensure this does not lead to more violence.”
Meanwhile, the management at Red Apple Media-owned WABC Radio issued a statement noting that the team is “deeply saddened” to learn of the death of Kirk. “Charlie was a valued member of the WABC family, hosting his show from Noon to 1pm, Monday through Friday, during 2021 and 2022,” the station said.
Catsimatidis, CEO of Red Apple Media and a billionaire supermarket mogul, added, “Charlie brought passion, insight, and energy to our airwaves, and he connected with listeners in a truly special way. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Charlie’s family, friends, and all who were touched by his work. Charlie will be remembered fondly for his contributions to WABC and to the New York radio community.”
