By Marc ‘Ake, USP Student Intern
The assassination of American political commentator Charlie Kirk earlier this month has been largely mourned by American leaders and figures.
Kirk who was the CEO of the podcast – Turning Point USA has been showered with high praise posthumously. Congressman Troy Nehls has said that if Kirk had been around during biblical times, he’d be the 13th disciple.
However, critics have argued that Kirk actually promoted hate and harmful rhetoric that were racist, misogynistic. Many pointed out that Kirk acknowledged gun deaths as necessary to protect the second amendment.
From flags being flown at half mast, a state memorial military style send-off, and being dubbed as a martyr of American freedom by President Trump; Kirk’s passing has captivated many.
Even in some South Pacific island communities, the death of this political activist has been felt.
The Northern Marianas and American Samoa have held vigils in remembrance of Kirk’s passing. Northern Mariana executive government officials have stated that Kirk’s work reflected the democratic value of free speech.
Members of Brian Tamaki’s destiny church from New Zealand performed a haka for Kirk during an anti-immigration protest in London.
This pattern of support can be found in Fijian and Tongan online spaces, where religious leaders, content creators and an overwhelming number of the public have posted positive messages about Kirk and spreading the sentiment that he was a true Christian and defender of truth and free speech.
This begs the question, why has the passing of a conservative political commentator had such an impact on Pacific communities?
Reverend Professor Nasili Vaka’uta, an author and the Principal of Trinity Theological College in New Zealand, says that Kirk’s assassination, was quickly framed as the silencing of a principled truth-teller.
“That martyr narrative spread rapidly through Christian networks, where suffering for one’s beliefs is often seen as proof of authenticity.”
“His (Kirk) public identity as a bold defender of faith, family, and freedom resonated with Pacific churches accustomed to viewing Christianity as embattled in secular societies.”
Vaka’uta added that social media has amplified this message by presenting Kirk as a man persecuted for speaking biblical truth, despite his complicated record.
In terms of opposing arguments against the praise Kirk has received such as racist, misogynistic and bigoted comments; Nasili explains how such criticisms are dismissed.
“Some dismiss them as “liberal attacks,” while others urge forgiveness and prayer, emphasising the tragic violence of his death rather than his harmful politics.”
“This selective reception means that Kirk’s harmful rhetoric—against immigrants, women, and LGBTQ+ communities—is downplayed, even though these same groups are part of Pasifika societies.”
“Grief has become a shield that prevents honest reckoning with the damage his words and movement caused.”
Patrick Muller from Ba shared that he didn’t agree with all of Kirk’s political views such as the Gaza war however, he deeply resonated with his Christian values.”
“I deeply resonated with his pro-life stance, his Christian values, and much of his broader message.”
“His passing has impacted me because through his understanding of the Bible and his unwavering faith I often found clarity and answers to various teachings in the Bible.”
Muller hopes that more people can learn from Kirk and the importance of debating and engaging in honest conversations on difficult topics like faith, politics, and life.
“As Charlie Kirk said, “When we stop speaking, bad things happen”—a reminder of why his voice and message mattered.”
Kirk’s death has received a strong reaction from both sides of the political spectrum and Nasili says that the reaction actually highlights two realities.
“First (reaction), the enduring centrality of religion in Pacific political life, and second, the vulnerability of Pasifika churches to imported ideologies dressed in Christian language.”
“Posthumous praise for Kirk shows how deeply U.S culture war narratives have penetrated Pacific spaces.”
“It also reveals the crossroads we face: whether to continue importing conservative scripts that undermine justice, or to reclaim the Christian traditions that resisted empire, defended land and sea, and championed the marginalised.”
“The choice will define the future of Christianity in the Pacific.”
Twenty-two-year-old Tyler Robinson who has been charged with the shooting and killing of Kirk at the Utah Valley University has begun his trial at the Fourth District Courthouse in Provo, Utah.
