Lake County Gazette

Paul Hurst, communications and core team member of Networking the Networks, a coalition of conservative and faith-based organizations in Illinois, suggested that the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk could be linked to a climate shaped by left-wing propaganda and rhetoric.

Speaking to the Lake County Gazette, Hurst said such rhetoric can influence individuals and contribute to a climate where violence is justified. He called for defending Kirk’s legacy amid a national discussion about political language and violence.

“Shock and sadness followed by compassion for his family and grief over how sick many in our society have become,” Hurst, who lives in Hawthorn Woods, said. “His legacy and influence will only grow from here, locally and nationally, because he stood for universal truths which will stand the test of time.”

Charlie Kirk speaks with attendees at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, during the "American Comeback Tour" at the HSS Lawn Amphitheater in March 2025. He was later assassinated at a similar event on September 10, 2025. | Wikimedia Commons / Gage Skidmore

Kirk, 31, who co-founded Turning Point USA, was a prominent voice in the conservative movement. He was fatally shot in Utah while engaging with students during the first stop of his American Comeback Tour. 

Kirk, a native of Arlington Heights who graduated from Wheeling High School, is survived by his wife, Erika, and their two young children.

Born and raised in the Chicago suburbs, Kirk had deep Illinois roots, launching Turning Point USA out of a garage in Lemont as a teenager and growing it into a $92 million national organization with thousands of student chapters.

His death has reverberated through American society.

President Donald Trump, who regarded Kirk as a close advisor and key youth outreach figure, called him “deeply loved and influential.”

Kirk’s alleged killer has been described as holding leftist beliefs and living with a transgender roommate. Authorities said the word “fascist” was etched onto a bullet casing found at the scene, indicating the murder may have been politically motivated.

That detail has further intensified debate about political language and responsibility.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, a vocal Trump critic, has repeatedly referred to Trump and his allies, including Kirk, as “fascists,” drawing parallels between Trumpism and Nazi Germany.

Following Kirk’s shooting, Pritzker appeared to place some blame on Trump, arguing his language and behavior have emboldened extremists.

“I think there are people who are fomenting it in this country,” Pritzker said. “I think the president’s rhetoric often foments it."

Pritzker has condemned Kirk’s assassination but said through a spokesperson he will continue to use the term “fascist” when he deems it appropriate.

The Illinois Freedom Caucus has filed articles of impeachment against Pritzker, with State Rep. Chris Miller citing the governor’s past comments as inflammatory.

Among Miller’s statements are: “Bullies respond to one thing, and one thing only, a punch in the face,” and “Republicans cannot know a moment of peace.”

Hurst said rhetoric like Pritzker’s is concerning.

“The Left uses a time-tested tactic that experts on propaganda refer to as ‘accusation in a mirror,’” Hurst said. “It involves accusing your opponents of what you yourself are doing. (A term coined by French scholar Roger Mucchielli.)”

He pointed to historical examples to illustrate his concerns.

“The Hutus used it to commit the Rwandan Genocide, exterminating ¾ of the Tutsi population, 800,000 of their fellow countrymen,” Hurst said. “Media outlets spread propaganda that the Tutsis were planning to massacre the Hutus, seize power and enslave them. In reality, that’s exactly what the Hutus planned, and then carried out. The pre-emptive framing, just like we see with the Leftwing media today, brainwashed ordinary people into thinking their own violence was ‘self-defense.’”  

Hurst also compared the tactic to Nazi Germany’s use of propaganda.

“Hitler, the ACTUAL Nazi, used this propaganda technique and combined it with, ‘telling the big lie, often enough and it will be believed,’” Hurst said. “The American Left and mainstream media are no different today. Constantly spreading lies, they brainwash the weak into thinking their hate and violence is actually justifiable and here we are, just look at the news.”

He said the way Kirk has been labeled by critics reflects this tactic.

“Look at the Left, calling people like Charlie Kirk a Nazi. Nazism was a socialist movement and Charlie pioneered the ‘Socialism Sucks’ movement,” Hurst said. “The exact opposite. Using the propaganda tactics of the Left makes you more of a Nazi than standing against socialism. If only we educated our university students in this, instead of propagandizing them.”

Hurst also referenced a commentary by The Daily Signal columnist Steve McKee, who wrote about how extreme political labels contribute to dehumanization and violence.

“People in the public eye should know better,” McKee wrote, “People in the public eye should do better. People in the public eye—and everyone else who has a conscience—should recognize that while liability must be something for which one is convicted, culpability can’t be escaped.” 

Hurst criticized the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) for what he described as institutionalized smear tactics.

“Look at how they regularly cite the Southern Poverty Law Center, a completely discredited organization with a history of problems ranging from accusations of sexual harassment, gender and race-based discrimination, and defamation,” Hurst said. “They instigated several acts of domestic terrorism with their so-called ‘Hate Map,’ which included Charlie’s Turning Point USA, multiple members of Networking the Networks and other respected organizations and individuals, including Ben Carson and PragerU.”

He said the consequences go beyond politics.

“This doesn’t just threaten conservatives, but all members of society. Research by internationally recognized experts like Professor of Psychology Lt. Col. David Grossman proves this out,” Hurst said. “He can show, for example, how the increase in the murder rate was caused by what he calls the ‘sick narrative’ after Ferguson, Missouri, ‘that law enforcement is bad and criminals are good.’ The result is more violence and death.”

Hurst said his group is determined to respond without violence.

“Truth which is the cure for lies, the Gospel, that changes hearts, and the armor of God, which equips you to live a life of purpose and courage, just as he did, so magnificently,” Hurst said. “As a favorite verse of many of us at Networking the Networks says, ‘Overcome Evil with Good.’”

Hurst also addressed the spiritual aspect of Kirk’s death.

“I can say with absolute certainty, that Charlie is in Heaven,” he said. “I’m certain his opponents are less likely to arrive there in their present condition because ‘by their fruits, we know them.’ I recommend we all consider our worldviews and see if they are built on the Rock like Charlie’s or on sinking sand, because one day, our eternity too will be fixed and unchangeable. Charlie was prepared. He wouldn’t want any of us not to be. Not even those who made him their enemy, because he told them the truth.”

Hurst and supporters say Kirk’s legacy will continue.

“The good news is, people are wising up and knowledge like Charlie was spreading is the cure for those who might otherwise wrongly identify the sources of hatred, violence and fear,” Hurst said. “The people who hate God, America, truth and freedom are being exposed and will continue to be. Once the brainwashing is countered, it becomes easier to see Truth. That’s Charlie’s method and legacy. Getting people to think critically, some for the very first time. For example, why does the Left hate Israel but seems to call everyone else a Nazi? A little critical thinking goes a long way and Charlie’s body of work will continue to impact lives and culture for the better. As I mentioned, he shared timeless truths, that never fail. People only need to open their eyes and hearts.”