Mayor Karen Bass, Governor Gavin Newsom (Photo by Eric Thayer/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) reportedly instructed all city flags on department facilities to remain at full staff, unless Mayor Karen Bass explicitly orders otherwise—contradicting President Trump’s proclamation to lower U.S. flags nationwide in memory of Charlie Kirk. The directive stipulated that flags remain fully raised from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day at LAFD facilities.
Trump’s proclamation called for U.S. flags on federal buildings, military installations, and all public buildings to fly at half‑staff through sunset on September 14 as a mark of respect for Kirk. While some state governors followed the order, including in Pennsylvania and Arizona, local entities like Los Angeles are choosing not to comply without local authorization.
Mayor Bass issued a statement condemning the political violence that led to Kirk’s death, saying such acts are “unacceptable and reprehensible” and must be rejected. However, she has not yet directed that city flags be lowered to half‑staff, and the LAFD memo makes clear that flags will stay at full staff unless she does so.
Some residents and political commentators are criticizing the LAFD decision as a symbolic failure to show solidarity or respect. For many, furling the flag is a visible sign of collective mourning, and refusing to do so—even under municipal jurisdiction—is being interpreted by some as a refusal to acknowledge the gravity of the event. Others defend LAFD’s move as a matter of standard protocol, emphasizing that local governments maintain discretion over such gestures.
Legal experts note that Trump’s proclamation applies only to federal property, and local governments aren’t legally bound to comply. Still, they observe that mayors and city councils often choose to follow such orders in the interest of public unity. The discrepancy between jurisdictions in following Trump’s order has sparked debate over the role of symbolism in civic grief—and how public rituals reflect political divisions.
FBI Director Kash Patel reportedly defied strong internal opposition to publicly release video footage of the Charlie Kirk assassination suspect, Tyler Robinson—footage that ultimately led to the suspect’s identification and arrest.
Despite law enforcement advising against it, Patel pushed for the release of security footage and enhanced still images of the shooter captured during the attack at Utah Valley University. Shortly after the footage was made public, Robinson’s own father recognized him and alerted authorities. The tip enabled law enforcement to locate and detain the 22-year-old suspect on Thursday night.
Robinson was persuaded to surrender after speaking with a minister connected to both the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service. Reportedly, he was in distress and had threatened suicide rather than face capture.
Just hours earlier, Utah Governor Spencer Cox held a press conference asking the public for help in identifying the shooter. The footage was aired during the event, and local and federal officials stood by as it played.
Robinson has since been charged with the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Bullet casings found at the scene were marked with anti-fascist and mocking messages. According to investigators, the suspect’s family stated that Robinson had expressed hatred for Kirk in the past, accusing him of promoting divisive rhetoric.
Montana GOP Rep. Ryan Zinke called the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk a “watershed moment” and urged Americans to reject political violence and engage in civil dialogue. He echoed Utah Governor Spencer Cox’s warning that America is at a crossroads: continue down a path of anger, or choose restraint and common discourse.
He emphasized that disagreement in politics must never escalate into violence. “In our country, the strength is that … we may agree or disagree, but disagreement should never result in violence,” Zinke said.
He pointed out that the nature of political discourse has deteriorated in recent years, citing not only the Kirk tragedy but also other recent acts of political violence across the U.S.
Zinke’s message comes amid increasing concern among conservatives and Christians that free speech and spiritual convictions are under threat from polarizing rhetoric. He framed this moment as one demanding reflection
GLAAD released a statement after Charlie Kirk’s assassination condemning political violence while also accusing the conservative leader of having spread “infinite amounts of disinformation” about LGBTQ people. The group warned that rhetoric about trans issues, used by Kirk and Turning Point USA, contributed to harm and pushed platforms to prioritize safety over inflammatory politics.
A GLAAD spokesperson said: “Political violence is unacceptable… It is also a demonstrable fact that Charlie Kirk spread infinite amounts of disinformation about LGBTQ people. Lies and vitriol about transgender people were a frequent part of his rhetoric and events.” The statement highlighted how Turning Point USA campaigns often feature controversial speakers such as Riley Gaines, Chloe Cole, and Pastor Junsun Yoo, people known for opposing gender‑affirming treatments for minors.
The statement sparked backlash, particularly from the people mentioned. Chloe Cole, a detransitioner, responded on X that GLAAD’s remarks were dangerous and insensitive given the timing. She criticized the statement for naming speakers she feels are now being framed as political targets and claimed it normalizes violence, saying, “They put a target on our backs.”
GLAAD defended its message by saying that accountability for public speech is not only about political correctness — it’s about the tangible harm that can follow disinformation, especially when propagated by high‑profile figures. They argued that when rhetoric frames trans people as threats or character flaws, it can fuel misinformation, stigma, and ultimately violence. In GLAAD’s view, leaders who use their platforms have a responsibility not just to avoid inflammatory speech, but to actively push back against false narratives that undermine the dignity and safety of marginalized communities.
Meanwhile, critics of GLAAD’s statement have argued that condemning Kirk for past rhetoric after his death is not only unfair, but fuels the very polarization it claims to decry. Some expressed that timing matters — saying questions of disinformation and free speech are valid, but that making such criticisms immediately following a tragedy risks appearing to exploit grief for political ends. Chloe Cole and others suggest that GLAAD’s naming of individuals in its statement could invite backlash or endanger those individuals by placing them in the crosshairs of political and social conflict.
Turning Point USA has announced plans for a large-scale public memorial service to honor its late founder, Charlie Kirk. The event, titled “Building a Legacy, Remembering Charlie Kirk,” will take place on Sunday, September 21, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, home of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals.
Doors will open at 8:00 a.m., with the program beginning at 11:00 a.m. local time. Registration is required through the official memorial website, fightforcharlie.com, and seating will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. State Farm Stadium can hold over 63,000 people, with the ability to expand capacity for major events, making this one of the largest political memorial services in recent history.
President Donald Trump is expected to attend, underscoring the national significance of the gathering. Organizers at Turning Point USA have described the service as both a remembrance and a rallying event, highlighting Kirk’s lifelong dedication to faith, family, and country. A statement from the organization called Kirk “an American legend” whose voice and leadership shaped a generation of conservative students and activists.
The memorial follows Kirk’s tragic assassination on September 10 during a speaking event at Utah Valley University. His death shocked political and faith communities across the nation, leading to tributes from lawmakers, pastors, students, and public figures. The upcoming service in Arizona is intended not only to mourn his passing but also to celebrate his legacy and continue the mission he built.
Turning Point USA has invited members of the public, students, and supporters to attend the service, which is expected to draw thousands from across the country. The event will include speakers, tributes, and reflections on Kirk’s impact as a leading conservative and Christian voice in America.
On September 13, 2025, Erika Kirk, the widow of Charlie Kirk, stood before thousands of young Americans in one of the most challenging moments of her life. With courage that could only come from the Lord, she declared that the fight for faith, freedom, and the future of our nation must continue. Within hours of her address, Turning Point USA received 18,000 new chapter requests—an unprecedented surge that revealed something profound: persecution does not silence a righteous cause. It strengthens it.
The phrase, “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church,” though ancient, resounds with startling clarity today. Tertullian, a second-century Christian apologist, coined the phrase to capture a paradox at the heart of our faith. When tyrants sought to stamp out Christianity by executing its leaders, the opposite happened—the movement grew stronger. The courage of believers willing to lay down their lives became the most powerful testimony of truth. Their deaths were not defeats; they were seeds planted in the soil of history, producing a harvest that transformed the world.
The same principle applies now. The tragic murder of Charlie Kirk is not the end of a movement—it is the beginning of something larger, more determined, and more enduring.
The Power of Witness in the Face of Violence
Martyrdom crystallizes what truly matters. When someone gives their life for a cause, it signals to the world that this is not a passing preference or a fleeting political fad—it is a conviction in its purest form. Brutal violence cannot erase truth; it only amplifies it.
Napoleon is often misquoted as saying, “Let China sleep, for when she wakes, the world will tremble.” Whether he uttered it or not, the sentiment remains true: suppressed power eventually awakens with even greater force.
The martyrdom of a leader—like the apostles of the early church, like reformers of history, like modern believers persecuted across the globe—demonstrates that bullets, prison cells, or propaganda cannot extinguish faith.
Instead, sacrifice steels the resolve of the community, unites them around shared identity, and forges a cause worth both living and dying for.
A Movement Larger Than One Man
Turning Point USA has never been about one man. It is about raising a generation of young people to take ownership of their future and their nation. The 18,000 new requests for chapters demonstrate that the mission has deeply penetrated the American soul. Students are not running away from controversy, persecution, or even violence. They are running toward the fight.
This is the same spirit that animated the first Christians, who risked their lives to meet in hidden rooms and catacombs. It is the same spirit that inspired our Founding Fathers, who pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor for liberty. And it is the same spirit that pulses through the veins of young Americans today, who recognize that the battle for truth is no longer theoretical. It is real. It is costly. And it is worth it.
Why Martyrdom Unites a People
The death of a leader is often meant to scatter followers in fear. Yet history shows it produces the opposite effect.
It creates solidarity. Shared pain forges shared purpose, binding communities more deeply than comfort ever could.
It clarifies the mission. In times of ease, movements can drift. Persecution sharpens focus: stand firm, hold fast, advance the truth.
It inspires courage. One life laid down ignites others to carry the torch. Courage is contagious. Jesus said it plainly: “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.” (John 12:23–26)
The church is living proof. Rome tried to crush it with crosses and lions, yet Christianity outlasted the empire. Totalitarian regimes have tried to stamp it out, yet underground churches continue to flourish. Even today, believers in China, Iran, and North Korea testify that the more they are pressed, the more resilient their faith becomes.
A Personal Reflection
Charlie Kirk was not just a national leader—he was a friend. He spoke several times at Influence Church and served as the keynote speaker at the American Faith Gala.
Charlie’s life was marked by urgency. He knew time was short and that complacency was the enemy of freedom. His words were often sharp because the times demanded clarity. Yet behind that boldness was a heart that genuinely loved this nation and longed for young people to walk in truth.
His death is a loss beyond measure. But his legacy is not finished. It is multiplying, even now, in ways greater than he could have imagined.
The Soul of a Nation
The United States stands in a spiritual crisis. This is not merely about tax codes or trade agreements. We are fighting for the very soul of the nation. Will we surrender to secular ideologies that strip away faith, family, and freedom? Or will we rise with courage, declaring that truth is worth fighting for—even at the cost of our lives?
The murder of Charlie Kirk has forced that question upon a generation. And based on the tidal wave of new chapter requests, thousands of young Americans have already answered with a resounding yes. They are willing to stand. They are eager to lead. They are willing to sow their lives as seeds in the soil of freedom.
The Sleeping Giant is Awake
The tragic death of Charlie Kirk is not the end of Turning Point USA, American Faith, or the broader movement for truth. It is a spark, a catalyst. Like the martyrs before us, his life and death declare that truth is worth everything.
History teaches us that when tyrants strike down a leader, they often awaken a sleeping giant. The blood of the martyrs is indeed the seed of the church—and in this case, the seed of a renewed movement for freedom in America.
The question is not whether the cause will endure. It already has. The question is whether we will rise to meet this moment.
May we answer with courage, conviction, and unity: Yes.
Phil Hotsenpiller is the founder and president of American Faith and the senior pastor of Influence Church. He is a biblical prophecy expert, cultural thought leader, and a passionate patriot. Phil has conducted interviews with various media outlets, including The Washington Post, USA Today, Fox News, CNN, The Christian Post, The History Channel, and The Telegraph. Phil earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Divinity and conducted postgraduate studies at Oxford University. He has published 11 books, including the highly acclaimed “One Nation without Law” and It’s Midnight in America.”
State governments across the U.S. are exploring legal pathways to take on more influence over immigration policy in response to moves by the Trump administration toward mass deportations. Immigration scholars and advocates say the current federal system is outdated, prompting state legislatures—both red and blue—to introduce bills that give states greater authority over immigration enforcement, foreign worker recruitment, and collaboration with federal agencies.
Some bills aim to authorize states to recruit foreign labor directly or offer visas for skilled workers tied to specific local economies. Others propose expanding local enforcement agreements with ICE and empowering state law enforcement to carry out immigration duties under federal programs. Proposals also include strengthening protections for immigrants, giving states better tools to certify identities, and creating state‑run programs aligned with federal priorities.
Experts like Michele Waslin of the University of Minnesota’s Immigration History Research Center observe a growing bipartisan trend: states perceiving the federal immigration system as failing in job market needs, public safety, and economic growth. Waslin notes that while many state efforts face resistance from federal authorities—often over questions of constitutionality or enforcement—they reflect a shift toward more domestic control.
Jordan Fischetti, an immigration fellow, contends that state initiatives can complement federal roles by focusing on visa allocations, ensuring communities have input, and tailoring immigrant integration according to state needs. He points to recent proposals like the Heartland Visa concept, which would allocate visas for regions with low population growth, as examples of how states want more say in immigration policy.
As Congress debates federal immigration reform, state legislators may lay the groundwork for scalable models that redistribute immigration functions. Whether these measures strengthen federal‑state cooperation or spark legal battles over authority remains to be seen—but the push reflects frustration with Washington’s current approach and a desire for states to reclaim influence.
Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Blake Treinen paid tribute to Charlie Kirk this week, taking the mound with a custom hat that bore the conservative leader’s name and a Christian cross. The gesture came just days after Kirk’s assassination, marking one of the most visible public tributes to the late Turning Point USA founder from within the sports world.
Treinen’s blue Dodgers cap had “Charlie Kirk” handwritten on the side, with a cross drawn beside it. The veteran pitcher, who has spoken openly about his Christian faith, has long used his platform in baseball to give glory to God. In past games, he has drawn a cross on his hat and pointed upward after key moments, describing the practice as “my form of worship.”
Kirk, 31, was fatally shot on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The attack shocked millions of Americans, sparking national mourning and raising alarms about politically motivated violence. Tributes have since poured in from political leaders, faith communities, and now professional sports.
Treinen’s act of remembrance stood out not only for its boldness but also for its symbolism. By honoring Kirk on the mound, Treinen placed his Christian convictions and political solidarity on full display before a national audience. Fans and commentators alike noted the tribute, with many praising the pitcher for his courage to publicly honor a slain conservative figure.
The Dodgers organization did not issue a formal statement on Treinen’s decision, but the pitcher has never shied away from blending his faith with his professional career. For many in the Christian conservative community, his visible tribute served as both an act of mourning and a declaration that Kirk’s legacy will not be forgotten.
Ukrainian drones struck one of Russia’s largest oil refineries overnight, igniting a large fire and adding pressure to Russia’s growing fuel crisis, Ukrainian military officials confirmed Saturday.
The attack targeted the Kirishi refinery in the Leningrad region, which processes nearly 355,000 barrels of crude oil per day. It’s the latest in a string of Ukrainian drone strikes aimed at disrupting Russian energy infrastructure believed to be supporting the Kremlin’s war operations.
Ukraine’s General Staff released a nighttime photo showing smoke and flames rising from the site. The strike was followed by a brief fire, reportedly caused by debris from downed drones.
Regional Governor Alexander Drozdenko stated that three drones were intercepted over the Kirishi area, with one or more falling parts igniting the fire. He claimed there were no injuries and that the blaze was quickly extinguished.
While Russian officials have not commented on the full extent of the damage, the strike adds to mounting pressure on Russia’s domestic fuel supply.
With demand for gasoline rising seasonally and Ukrainian drone strikes continuing, parts of Russia are experiencing severe fuel shortages. Some gas stations have run completely dry, forcing long lines and restrictions on fuel sales.
In response, the Russian government has temporarily banned gasoline exports to ease domestic supply. The full export ban is in place until September 30, while additional limits on sales through intermediaries will continue through the end of October.
Ukraine’s strategy of targeting critical Russian infrastructure appears to be hitting its mark, further straining Moscow’s war logistics and causing visible disruptions inside Russia’s borders.
Paramount Pictures has rejected calls for a sweeping boycott of Israeli film institutions, standing apart from thousands of Hollywood figures who pledged support for the campaign. The boycott, launched by the activist group Film Workers for Palestine, has been signed by nearly 4,000 entertainment professionals, including high-profile actors Emma Stone and Joaquin Phoenix.
The pledge commits signatories to refuse collaboration with Israeli film festivals, production companies, broadcasters, and other institutions accused by the group of supporting “genocide and apartheid” in Gaza. When first introduced, the campaign drew about 1,200 signatures. In the months since, that number has tripled, revealing a deepening divide in the entertainment industry over the Israel–Hamas conflict.
Paramount, however, broke ranks with the movement. In a public statement, the company affirmed its opposition to the boycott, emphasizing the importance of creative freedom and cross-cultural exchange. Melissa Zukerman, communications officer for Paramount, said the studio rejects “silencing individual creative artists based on their nationality,” making clear that the company views cultural boycotts as an attack on free expression.
By rejecting the pledge, Paramount becomes the first major Hollywood studio to take a stand against this specific campaign. The company’s stance underscores its commitment to artistic engagement rather than exclusion, even amid growing political pressure from activist groups within the film industry.
The boycott highlights a widening rift in Hollywood as entertainers take increasingly public positions on geopolitical conflicts. Critics argue that such boycotts unfairly target artists based on nationality rather than their individual actions or beliefs, blurring the line between political protest and cultural discrimination.
