Editor’s note: Bailey Duran is an education reporter for The Journal. She divides her time between Cortez and Seoul, where she studies the Korean language. She is a former ambassador and employee for the Standing for Freedom Center at Liberty University. She knew Erika Kirk and met Charlie Kirk, and has done research work for a Turning Point USA employee.
SEOUL, South Korea – A week ago, Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and Christian leader, was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem. He was 31.
The public assassination sparked immediate reactions in the United States and abroad.
Some cheered online, posting comments such as, “He created the world in which he died,” along with selfie videos of laughter and remarks like “Thoughts and giggles” and “Champagne anyone?”
Others, including strangers to Kirk and his debating style, were grief-stricken, questioning how a difference in opinion could lead to murder.
Some businesses, regardless of political affiliation, fired employees who celebrated Kirk’s death, citing concerns about employing someone who could cheer a murder.
MSNBC fired senior political analyst Matthew Dowd after his less-than-compassionate on-air reaction to Kirk’s death.
Late last week, the commentary reached Cortez.
Just days after Kirk’s assassination, the Montezuma-Cortez RE-1 School District posted a Facebook announcement about a teacher’s comments regarding Kirk.
“It has come to our attention that a Montezuma-Cortez High School teacher recently made inappropriate comments on social media regarding the assassination of Charlie Kirk,” the district said. “We strongly condemn the vile message shared by this employee as it does not reflect the standards we expect of our staff. We remain committed to upholding the values of professionalism and respect for our students, families, colleagues and community.”
The teacher was Lindi New, a science teacher at Montezuma-Cortez High School, who was named by the district as Teacher of the Year for 2025. The Journal received screenshots revealing New’s full comments.
“I thought about trying empathy, the high road, or just saying nothing at all, but after the school shooting in Colorado, honestly, I just can't be (redacted) to be kind about bull (redacted) anymore,” New said in her post. “This is karma … for being cold, racist, transphobic and hateful, inciting violence and generally being a garbage person, and we need better gun laws in our country. And I'm a ‘gun person.’”
New posted similar sentiments elsewhere.
“I'm also a little torn because I believe that any politically motivated crime is an act of terrorism, including against this ingrown hair, but why weren't similar acts designated as such against MN lawmakers or school children,” she continued. “And why the hell is he getting some kind of Medal of Honor?”
The district announced in June that New was named Teacher of the Year, noting that she mentored new teachers and contributed to curriculum development in an effort to elevate science education. The recognition highlighted her influence on the MCHS community.
“Her dedication, leadership and positive spirit make this honor not only well deserved, but a reflection of the profound impact she has on our school community,” the district said.
Superintendent Tom Burris of Montezuma-Cortez School District RE-1 has not responded to The Journal’s questions about the teacher’s status.
While some lashed out at Kirk, others rallied around his family and mission, promising to pick up the “bloody microphone” where Kirk dropped it in Utah. Some adopted the motif “I am Charlie Kirk,” identifying with his beliefs, values and boldness.
At vigils across the United States, including campuses such as Arizona State University and Utah Valley University, where Kirk died, thousands gathered to grieve.
At Liberty University in Virginia, where Kirk received an honorary doctoral degree and helped establish the Standing for Freedom Center, students gathered on the lawn, praying and worshiping.
After a statement from Erika Kirk, Turning Point USA received 37,000 new chapter requests, up from the 900 college and 1,200 high school chapters.
In South Korea, where Kirk visited the week before his death, a memorial appeared in Incheon near the statue of Douglas MacArthur, which Kirk visited before flying back to the U.S. Funeral wreaths lined the sidewalk next to the monument as mourners paid their respects. Groups marched through Jamsil and Myeongdong carrying Korean and American flags and signs honoring Kirk.
On Monday in Seoul, a makeshift memorial created by the Korean group Freedom Univ stood near Sunghyemun Gate, a popular landmark. Korean citizens and foreigners alike, young and old, carried single white flowers and bouquets to place on the memorial table, which was filled with notes and photos of Kirk.
In Korean tradition, white flowers at funerals signify a tragic death. Individuals took turns placing flowers and standing in silence or prayer. A group of Korean men wearing ROTC hats saluted Kirk’s photo. A small child looked up at a picture of Kirk.
Hundreds of sticky notes surrounded the memorial, written in both Korean and English. Some read:
• “Thank you for giving hope and courage to a Korean patriot, Charlie Kirk. I won’t forget.”
• “Charlie, you inspired me to fight for our country. I’ll pray for your family every day. I love you!!!”
• “You are our hero. Your legacy will go on!”
Kirk’s funeral will take place on Sunday, Sept. 21 at the 63,000-seat State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, and will reportedly include President Donald Trump posthumously presenting Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
This article will be updated as more information becomes available.
