In a time when many Americans are still grieving the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk, a vocal conservative leader and unapologetic defender of American values, some left-leaning pastors have chosen not to mourn but to malign. What should have been a moment of national reflection and unity has turned into yet another platform for race-baiting and divisive rhetoric—this time, from the pulpit.

Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent figure in the conservative movement, was gunned down during an appearance at Utah Valley University on September 10. While leaders from across the right, including Vice President J.D. Vance and President Donald Trump, honored Kirk’s contribution to American discourse—Vance even accompanying Kirk’s body back to Arizona aboard Air Force Two—certain pastors couldn’t resist the urge to turn the tragedy into a political opportunity.

Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley of Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia, took direct aim at Kirk during his Sunday sermon, accusing the late conservative of being a “weapon of the enemy” and suggesting that he did not deserve the honors he received. “I do not celebrate the killing of anyone. Charlie Kirk did not deserve to be assassinated,” Wesley began, before launching into a tirade against the very idea of mourning Kirk’s death.

“But I’m overwhelmed seeing the flags of the United States of America at half-staff, calling this nation to honor and venerate a man who was an unapologetic racist and spent all of his life sowing seeds of division and hate into this land,” Wesley continued. The statement drew loud applause from the congregation.

Wesley’s criticisms didn’t end with Kirk. He went on to claim that Americans who mourn Kirk show “selective rage,” saying, “Don’t tell me I ought to have compassion for the death of a man who had no respect for my own life.” He even invoked left-wing talking points, citing ICE raids, “Klan rallies,” and alleged systemic inequality, painting a picture of America as fundamentally broken.

“There’s nowhere in the Bible where we are taught to honor evil,” he preached. “And how you die does not redeem how you lived. You do not become a hero in your death when you are a weapon of the enemy in your life.”

Meanwhile, in Dallas, another high-profile preacher joined the chorus. Pastor Frederick Haynes of Friendship-West Baptist Church, located in Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s district, seemed more interested in politicizing the moment than promoting healing. Haynes, who also serves as the executive secretary of the Evangelism Board for the National Baptist Convention, took to the pulpit to make the baffling claim that the real victims in Kirk’s death were historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Though he offered no evidence, Haynes implied that Kirk’s legacy was inherently hostile to Black institutions.

It is deeply disturbing to see church leaders—figures who are supposed to offer spiritual guidance—stand before their congregations and pour fuel on political fires. Rather than encouraging forgiveness, peace, or prayer for the deceased and his family, these pastors used their platforms to promote anger, resentment, and partisan division.

Charlie Kirk stood boldly for conservative values, religious liberty, and the promise of America. In life, he was a target. In death, he deserves dignity—not disdain.

“There is no where in the Bible where we are taught to honor evil and how you die does not redeem how you lived. You don’t become a hero in death when you are a weapon of the enemy in life”
~Pastor Howard John-Wesley
of Alfred Street Baptist Church
In DC #CharlieKirk pic.twitter.com/PLH0YnRJNJ

— Etan Thomas (@etanthomas36) September 14, 2025