Brantley Gilbert wrestles with faith and forgiveness after Charlie Kirk's death

Brantley Gilbert says Charlie Kirk's death has him wrestling with faith and forgiveness in an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital. The Turning Point USA founder, 31, was killed on Sept 10 during a campus event at Utah Valley University in Orem. Gilbert, a country star who has long used his platform to support active duty service members and veterans, said he feels anger and confusion about how to reconcile his beliefs with the violence that claimed Kirk's life.

Gilbert described an ongoing struggle to stay away from political divisiveness yet acknowledged the violence intensifies the nation's divisions. He noted that his wife urged him to return to church and that Charlie Kirk had been an encouraging figure in this chapter of his life, and he is trying to get back into that. He said his wife is more steadfast in her faith and shows a lot more grace than he does, while he is an angry man and still angry. He believes that Christian faith calls for love of others, and he is working to apply that in a divided climate. He has tried to keep his messaging focused on supporting active duty members, veterans, and kids, aiming to keep his messages positive, even as the country grows more polarized.

The singer said the country's divisiveness has grown so pronounced that it colors everyday events. It is becoming unavoidable to see differences and to hear leaders call for violence, only to condemn it after the fact; he said he was supposed to pray for those who make inflammatory comments, but he is not there yet, and he is angry and believes many Americans are angry and fed up. Last week, while performing on his Tattoos Tour 2025, Gilbert led a Maryland crowd in a moment of silence in memory of Kirk, calling the act a reminder of the power of quiet reflection and the limits of free speech.

The moment of silence drew a strong reaction from the singer. He described it as powerful and even deafening to witness thousands of fans pause together, underscoring the importance of civility even as people wrestle with political differences.

Despite the current climate, Gilbert said he remains hopeful for unity and says prayer and faith are essential to moving forward. He reiterated that he believes in God and in the Bible and that the country will have to reflect on its choices and direction. He acknowledged that many people feel disheartened by the back and forth of political life but said the only path forward is to entrust the nation to God and to live out shared values even in disagreement.

Kirk's death has drawn national attention to the risks public figures face when engaging in political debate. The event at Utah Valley University drew lawmakers, advocates, and supporters who expressed condolences and called for peaceful political engagement. A memorial program planned for State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, was set to feature remarks from widely known figures as part of the tribute to Kirk.