President Donald Trump posthumously awards the Presidential Medal of Freedom to late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, presenting it to his wife, Erika Kirk, during a ceremony in the Rose Garden of the White House on Oct. 14, 2025. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Kirk was known for participating in debates across the country and the globe, often confronting his harshest critics. Carney believes that Kirk's willingness to go into tough arenas as well as his approachable and "authentic" nature drew young people to him and the pro-life movement.
"Charlie was open and was honest, and he was also humble and willing to talk to you," Carney told Fox News Digital, adding that being approachable, as Kirk was, is crucial in pro-life activism.
"So many people have been hurt by abortion. So many people feel strongly in support of reproductive rights. And you just can't go in and yell or say you're going to burn in hell. You have to approachable, you have to use reason, you can't be afraid to share your faith, as Charlie wasn't," he added.
An image of slain conservative commentator Charlie Kirk is placed at a memorial in his honor, at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. (Jim Urquhart/Reuters)
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He recalled one young woman — who he did not name — who said she was "so afraid" to participate in pro-life activism prior to Kirk's death. Carney noted that despite the "horrible images" of the assassination, many felt empowered and compelled to speak up about their beliefs.
"You thought the opposite would happen, that she'd be more afraid and others would be more afraid, but that didn't happen," he said. "It literally inspired her to overcome years of fear."
Carney also spoke about a TPUSA chapter leader whose mother tried to talk her son out of participating in either TPUSA or 40 Days for Life. The young man apparently told his mother that Charlie would have wanted him to speak out and not to run from culture wars.
Members of the pro-life 40 Days For Life group hold a vigil near to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital on March 05, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
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When asked what Kirk's message to pro-life activists would be if he were still alive, Carney said it would be to not give up. Carney added that he has heard newcomers inspired by Kirk say they believe that the TPUSA founder would want them to be outspoken and not to "cower."
"Right now in our culture, there's a lot of reasons to be afraid, we can't give in to them, we have to go out, we have to speak the truth and love, and that is what changes hearts and minds, and that's the best way we can honor Charlie," Carney told Fox News Digital.
Rachel Wolf is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital and FOX Business.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/40-days-life-sees-spike-volunteers-after-charlie-kirks-assassination