Photo courtesy of NSSF@ CHARLIE KIRK

Like so many groups across the nation and the world, we are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. His untimely death has left a void in our hearts and in the advocacy for free speech and Second Amendment rights.

As a representative of many sportsmen and hunter groups of Western New York, I can say that we join in thoughts and prayers with all of America and the Firearm Industry Trade Association (NSSF®). They join the nation in grieving the loss of Kirk, founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, who was struck down by an assassin during a public open appearance at an educational institution. Kirk was a thought leader who peacefully challenged opposing viewpoints. But more than that, Kirk was a husband and father to two small children.

Kirk was a man who challenged ideas with ideas. He invited open debate with those who vehemently disagreed with him. He believed in free and spirited exchange of ideas and using words to reach millions of young adults across America’s college campuses. Kirk was also a man of deep-rooted and unapologetic faith in his Creator.

He was dedicated to preserving and exercising our American rights granted by that Creator and guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, including not just First Amendment rights of Free Speech, but also Second Amendment rights to keep and bear arms.

This targeted assassination of Kirk, in what can only be understood as a measure to silence his voice and ideas, is vile. There is nothing – absolutely nothing – that could justify political violence against Kirk, who sought to engage his fellow citizens in civil discourse. This assassin is the manifestation of evil, and NSSF remains confident that local, state and federal authorities will find and bring this individual to justice.

Likewise, NSSF joins those who are repulsed by some who claim Kirk invited this senseless and cruel act of criminal violence, as well as some who celebrate it. We dedicate ourselves to honoring Kirk’s memory and legacy. We humbly pray for his young widow and children, who will grow up in their lives without their husband and father, taken so cruelly and senselessly by a politically-motivated assassin.

Today, we grieve. We also commit ourselves to advancing the principles which Kirk held dear, that freedom of thought and expression of rights cannot be compromised, that this nation is truly unique and preserving the nation’s liberties requires each of us to enter the arena. We are resolute in our commitment to the principle that Kirk demonstrated to recognize, with the insight of the Creator who grants us our freedoms, the humanity of those around us – even those with whom we disagree.

My thoughts — after the event and national aerial coverage that ensued — a question arises: would better use of technology with drone surveillance to ensure perimeter security have helped prevent this tragedy? Hindsight is always 20-20, but it’s important to consider all possible measures to prevent such incidents in the future. These days, the words “In God We Trust” might need man-made help.

NSSF, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, is the trade association for the firearm industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of thousands of manufacturers, distributors, firearm retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers nationwide. For more information about NSSF and its work, visit https:/www.nssf.org.