CNN to release report claiming Charlie Kirk memorial was 'Christian nationalist' event

CNN's Pamela Brown announces she has been working on a "special project" to warn the nation about the rise of "Christian nationalism" following the September 2025 assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. The hour-long documentary, scheduled to be released this upcoming weekend, will examine how Kirk's murder became a "rallying call" for Christian nationalists to take action nationwide, she said.

"Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and prominent Christian nationalist, was assassinated. It became a rallying call for those who believed in his message. And it was a call to action," said Brown in a sneak preview of the unaired segment.

Brown continued, "For the past several months, I've been working on a special project examining the growing influence of Christian nationalism in America....Experts say [Kirk's assassination] was a pivotal moment for the movement and an occasion where the tragedy of his loss unified Christian nationalists and the Trump administration."

The sneak peek included an interview with Matthew Taylor, a visiting scholar at Georgetown University Center of Faith and Justice, who told Brown that Kirk's highly-attended Arizona memorial service signified a "shift in our culture," claiming that the prominent figure's death has caused American Christians to become "activated" and "radicalized."

Kirk, known for his outspoken Christian faith, was assassinated on September 10, 2025, during a Turning Point USA speaking event at Utah Valley University. He sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the neck from a gunman firing from a nearby rooftop. Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested in connection with Kirk's death and faces aggravated murder charges, as well as the death penalty.

Throughout his time leading TPUSA, Kirk stated in interviews that he wanted to be remembered for his Christian faith. "I want to be remembered for courage for my faith...the most important thing is my faith in my life," he emphasized. Kirk often shared messages about salvation and encouraged others to share the message of Jesus Christ. Faith leaders reported a 15 percent increase in individuals attending Church following his assassination.