The pro-life organization 40 Days for Life has experienced a 36% surge in participation following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The group's CEO attributes the uptick, especially among young people, to Kirk's inspirational legacy. President Donald Trump recently honored Kirk posthumously with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Charlie Kirk, the founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, was assassinated shortly before the launch of 40 Days for Life's major fall campaign. Shawn Carney, the president and CEO of the pro-life group, told Fox News Digital that the tragedy occurred just two weeks prior to the campaign's kickoff, which spans over 700 cities worldwide.
Despite the shocking nature of Kirk's death, Carney reported a significant boost in activism. "His tragic assassination was just two weeks before we kicked off one of our largest fall 40 Days for Life campaigns around the world," Carney said. "Over 700 cities participating, and we saw a huge uptick, a 36% increase in participation. We had so many young people come out … who knew who Charlie Kirk was and were inspired by him to participate in 40 Days for Life, who then brought their parents out to pray at our vigils."
Kirk, known for his outspoken conservative and pro-life views, participated in debates across the country and globe, often engaging critics directly. Carney highlighted Kirk's authenticity and approachability as key draws for young activists. "Charlie was open and was honest, and he was also humble and willing to talk to you," Carney noted, emphasizing the importance of reason and faith in pro-life dialogue.
On October 14, 2025—what would have been Kirk's 32nd birthday—President Trump presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Kirk's wife, Erika Kirk, in the White House Rose Garden. Carney praised the gesture, calling Trump "the most pro-life president we've ever had." He added, "It was so beautiful to see him honor Charlie... Free speech is what 40 Days for Life is built on. It's what the pro-life dialogue is built upon. It's [what] Charlie gave his life for."
Carney shared stories of inspiration, including a young woman who overcame years of fear to join after Kirk's death, and a TPUSA chapter leader who persisted despite family opposition, citing Kirk's example. Carney believes Kirk's message to activists would be to speak truth with love and not cower from cultural challenges, honoring his legacy through continued activism.