U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) is honoring the memory of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, praising his legacy of faith and patriotism.

“We lost one of the greatest American voices of not only this generation, but in our lifetime,” Tuberville said.

Kirk, who founded Turning Point USA and became well known for holding political debates on college campuses, was killed by an assassin’s bullet during an outdoor event Wednesday on Utah Valley University’s campus.

Tuberville, who is also a candidate for governor in 2026, posted a video on social media Thursday about the brutal killing.

“Charlie and I have become good friends during the last few years through his show and serving together on the Air Force Service Academy board,” he said. “He was a true American patriot who loved God, his family and our country. During my last interview on Charlie’s show a few weeks ago, we talked about the importance of educating the next generation of leaders on our college campuses. There’s no one who did this better than him. It’s a shame that someone who devoted his life to traveling the country and creating open political dialogue was killed in a senseless act of political violence on a college campus.”

The senator also reflected on the current state of political discourse in America.

“It sickens me that we have reached a point in this country where you can be murdered for your political beliefs,” he lamented. “The political violence in this country has gotten completely out of control. The deranged people who commit political violence are often inspired by politicians and media who label people they disagree with as Nazis, Hitler and threats to democracy.”

“Because of this hate, a young wife will go home to an empty bed tonight, and two young children will grow up without a father,” he added. “Charlie was not part of the problem. He was part of the answer. He was talented at reaching across the aisle and reaching out to students. That’s why he was killed.”

Tuberville said he hopes this bring much needed change to how we debate the issues in this country.

“Because of this hate, a young wife will go home to an empty bed tonight, and two young children will grow up without a father. Charlie was not part of the problem. He was part of the answer. He was talented at reaching across the aisle and reaching out to students. That’s why he was killed.”

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on X @Yaffee