On September 10, 2025, the nation was shaken by the tragic news of the death of Charlie Kirk, a well-known conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA. He was fatally shot while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University, in what authorities are calling a targeted attack.
Regardless of where one may stand politically, the sudden loss of a young life in such a violent way is heartbreaking. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and all those affected by this tragedy.
Violence and Its Ripple Effect on Our Mental Health
When we hear about events like this, it’s not only those closest to the person who suffer. News of sudden, senseless violence ripples outward. For many, it stirs feelings of sadness, fear, anger, or helplessness. Even if we never met Charlie Kirk personally, hearing about such violence can leave us unsettled and anxious.
This collective unease is something psychologists often call “vicarious trauma” — the stress that comes from being exposed to traumatic events through the media. In our hyper-connected world, many of us experience this regularly without even realizing it.
Taking Care of Ourselves in Times of Shocking News
While we can’t always control the world around us, we can take small but meaningful steps to protect our mental and emotional health during times of tragedy:
- Limit news overexposure: It’s important to stay informed, but constant scrolling or re-watching graphic details can deepen anxiety. Give yourself permission to step away from the news cycle.
- Breathe and ground yourself: Simple breathing practices — like inhaling deeply for four counts, holding for four, and exhaling for six — help calm the nervous system. Walking barefoot on the grass, meditating, or simply sitting quietly outdoors can bring grounding.
- Connect with others: When tragedy strikes, isolation can worsen our emotions. Call a friend, sit with family, or even talk in a supportive online community. Shared sorrow becomes easier to carry.
- Engage in restorative rituals: Gentle movement, herbal teas, journaling, or prayer can help you feel more centered. Nature, in particular, has a way of reminding us that peace and renewal are possible, even in the darkest moments.
Choosing Compassion Over Division
One of the most damaging effects of violence is the way it can deepen divisions. After tragedies like this, anger and blame often rise to the surface. While anger is natural, holding onto it only compounds the harm.
Instead, we can choose to channel our energy into compassion. Compassion for those who are grieving. Compassion for communities shaken by fear. Compassion even for ourselves, as we navigate uncertainty and sorrow.
By turning toward empathy rather than hostility, we contribute to the healing that our society so deeply needs.
Moving Forward Together
Charlie Kirk’s death is a sobering reminder of the fragility of life. Regardless of our beliefs, none of us are untouched by the pain of violence. As a community, we can honor his memory — and the memory of all who have been lost to violence — by caring for one another with tenderness and respect.
Today, let’s commit to:
- Checking in on loved ones.
- Practicing self-care and mindfulness.
- Choosing compassion over division.
- Remembering that healing begins in the small, everyday acts of kindness we extend.
Final Thoughts
Moments like this remind us that while we can’t always control events, we can control how we respond. By grounding ourselves, practicing empathy, and choosing peace, we not only heal our own spirits but also send ripples of healing into the world around us.
If this news has left you feeling unsettled, please remember: you’re not alone, and it’s okay to take time for your mental and emotional wellbeing.
Let’s hold space for grief, but also for hope — hope that together, we can create a culture of peace and compassion, even in the face of tragedy.