John Schneider, the actor best known for his role in the television series "The Dukes of Hazzard," said the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk will not quiet political debate but instead prompt "louder and prouder" voices from a new generation of activists.
Schneider made the remarks in an interview with Fox News Digital, saying he feared Kirk — who was shot while speaking at an engagement in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 10 — will be remembered as a martyr and that his message will persist. "I think perhaps other people thought it would quiet people down, but I don't think it's going to," Schneider said. "I think we're gonna be louder and prouder. I hate to think of Charlie as a martyr, but I'm afraid that's what Charlie is now."
Schneider said he was working on a song titled "Charlie's Voice" and urged Americans to return to open, civil discourse. "If we live in a world where a difference of opinion is a murderable offense, then this is not the United States of America," he said, referring to the traditions his father and grandfather fought to defend. Schneider added that the country should allow both conservative and liberal speech to be heard and debated.
Kirk, 31, a conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was killed during a speaking event in Orem. Authorities arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson on suspicion of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily harm, and obstruction of justice, according to a court affidavit. A judge ordered Robinson held without bail and formal charges were expected to be filed early the following week.
Former President Donald Trump, appearing on the television program "Fox & Friends," announced that an arrest had been made and described Kirk's death as a "dark moment for America," saying Kirk's voice had become "bigger and grander" in the wake of the killing.
Schneider told Fox News Digital he believes the shooting will ultimately encourage unity and more engagement in political discussion rather than suppress it. "So yeah, I hope, I pray, I do believe intellectually that this will bring people together to at least discuss their differences," he said.
Local and federal authorities have investigated the shooting. Officials have released limited details publicly as the case moves through the judicial process, and prosecutors have sought to proceed with formal charges consistent with the evidence in the affidavit.
The killing drew national attention because of Kirk's prominence as a campus debater and conservative organizer and because it occurred at a public event. It has prompted discussion about political violence, security at speaking engagements and the boundaries of political speech.
Schneider's comments come amid a broader conversation about protecting free expression while preventing violence. He said he hopes the response to Kirk's death will be renewed commitment to debating ideas rather than resorting to violence. Authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation as the investigation and prosecution proceed.
As the legal process unfolds, those close to Kirk and his supporters have begun memorializing his life and work, and public figures across the political spectrum have emphasized the need for peaceful discourse. The arrest and expected charges mark the next stage in a case that has prompted national debate over political rhetoric and public safety.