MISSOULA - A Montana lawmaker who knew Charlie Kirk personally is reflecting on Kirk's life and the state of political affairs in the United States.
Kirk, a conservative activist and the founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed Wedensday while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
Braxton Mitchell has represented Columbia Falls in the Montana House of Representatives since 2021.
His involvement in politics though, began in 2019 when he joined Turning Point USA after high school.
"I met Charlie for the first time in May or June of 2018 in Billings, Montana, actually," Mitchell said. "But I really got to know Charlie in the spring of 2019 on a personal level when I got involved as an ambassador for Turning Point."
Mitchell was an early supporter of TPUSA. He told MTN he was one of the first ambassadors to join. The organization's website reads, "Turning Point USA’s student program exists to educate young people about the importance of limited government, free markets, and freedom."
Kirk's platform was not without controversy. Many on the right say he was a conservative activist, especially for young Republicans. Some on the left argue his views were extreme and divisive.
Kirk pushed claims about voter fraud after the 2020 election. He also disputed the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic and often spread anti-trans rhetoric.
In Mitchell's opinion, Kirk wasn't afraid to speak his mind. He also gave others the chance to debate.
"He was never the guy who was trying to just throw something at you and not let you have your chance to say it," Mitchell said. "That's what politics is about."
Watch related coverage: UM officials address security measures following Charlie Kirk's assassination
Kirk's assassination comes just months after two Minnesota legislators were gunned down in their homes. The increase in violence towards political figures is raising serious concerns.
For Mitchell, the violence crosses a political divide.
"Charlie was a fighter. He was a guy that was a man of faith, personal conviction, and I hope this doesn't set a precedent in our country where again, whether you're on the left or the right, that violence and murder should be the answer to disagreement in politics," he said. "I mean this has got to stop."
As of Thursday morning, no one was in custody for Kirk's assassination.
