NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — Standing on the corner of D and Dewey streets Friday morning, Brian Harris waved American flags and displayed signs in memory of Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated Thursday.
“I just felt compelled to do something for the people,” Harris said. “I know some people are afraid to actually put their face in public, and I just felt the need that I had to do this.”
Harris described feeling “shock, devastated, angry, sad” when he first heard the news. He said Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was more than a political figure — he was a husband, father and advocate for free speech.
“He was the biggest advocate for our young folks,” Harris said. “Our kids are being indoctrinated into this brainwashing at the colleges and being educated in a way that is not good with God or good with people.”
Harris said he has followed Kirk since he launched Turning Point at age 18. He pointed to former President Donald Trump’s praise of Kirk and said even some who disagreed with him respected him as a person.
“Even had a John McClever that didn’t like what Charlie Kirk said, but he still understood that he was a man, he is a person, and he was sorry that he got killed,” Harris said.
As drivers passed, several honked their horns in support. Harris said he hopes the display reminds people that the issue goes beyond politics.
“This is a human issue where we should all believe that no life should be taken,” Harris said.