I am heartbroken by the senseless death of Charlie Kirk. I am heartbroken for his wife, children, and for those who loved and admired him.

I am stunned by this monstrous act of evil.

I am heartbroken by the loss of an articulate, good-hearted spokesman for the Christian faith. His death is a tragedy for the church, for conservatives, and for all Americans. And I am mourning for him, for his family and friends, for those who followed and were inspired by his work, and for all of us.

Before last week, I was aware of Charlie Kirk only as a political operator. I was not aware of his family or the details of his story. I was not aware of his faith or his articulate defense of Christianity until after he was gunned down.

I may post more later about this horrible crime.

But I want to state this before going further, with no qualifications or throat-clearing. His death is a tragedy, and we are all poorer because of it.