The tragic murder of Charlie Kirk this week should send shockwaves across the country—including right here in New Mexico. At just 31 years old, Charlie was shot during an event at Utah Valley University. He wasn’t rioting or inciting violence. He was sitting at a table, inviting dialogue, encouraging young people to think, and standing firm in his convictions.
That was Charlie’s calling: sparking conversation, even when it was uncomfortable. He didn’t force anyone to believe as he did—he simply challenged logic, questioned assumptions, and asked people to think more deeply. For that, he was targeted and silenced.
This is not just a personal tragedy—it is a national warning. Political violence is the natural outcome of a culture where dissenting voices are vilified, where conservative thought is painted as “dangerous,” and where citizens are pressured to conform to extreme ideology.
New Mexicans know this atmosphere well. Our governor and progressive majority have advanced some of the most radical policies in the nation: taxpayer-funded abortion up to the moment of birth, laws that weaken parental rights in education, attempts to restrict faith-based ministries, and a legislative process that often shuts out debate. In schools, workplaces, and even churches, too many feel they must stay silent or risk being shamed, canceled, or worse.
If Charlie Kirk can be shot for asking questions on a college campus, what message does that send to New Mexico parents speaking at school board meetings? Or to pastors preaching biblical truth from the pulpit? Or to everyday citizens who dare to challenge the prevailing political agenda? The message is chilling: if you disagree, you are not safe.
We cannot let that become the norm in New Mexico. Our state has a long tradition of resilience, family, and faith. We can—and must—disagree passionately without resorting to intimidation or violence. Leaders should welcome debate, not suppress it. Citizens should feel free to speak, not pressured into silence.
Charlie Kirk’s death is a sobering reminder of what is at stake. Today, I grieve for his wife, his two young children, and the movement he helped build. But we must also honor his legacy by refusing to cower in fear. The future of New Mexico—and the health of our democracy—depends on whether we will stand firm in truth, protect open dialogue, and defend the right of every citizen to speak without fear of violence.
Jodi Hendricks is the Executive Director of New Mexico Family Action Movement.
