Honoring Charlie Kirk came at a cost: ‘We were ostracized’



Charlie Kirk spent years engaging critics face-to-face, debating students, defending his beliefs, and encouraging difficult conversations. But after his assassination, Cliffe and Stuart Knechtle — who worked alongside Charlie many times — were struck by how many college students relished his passing.

“I wonder if Charlie’s assassination had a particular impact on y’all,” BlazeTV host Allie Beth Stuckey says to the father and son. “Because he was doing something that you have been doing for decades in that moment that he was shot and killed. He was dialoguing with people.”

“He was saying things that are uncomfortable but true, sharing the gospel, sharing the truth about sexuality and gender,” she adds.

“Obviously that was an incredible tragedy, an act of violence off the charts. Pathetic. Charlie was an incredible man of faith,” Cliffe responds.


“I think Charlie had a tremendous ability to articulate very clearly what a brilliant guy he was and what a reader he was. The difference between justice and injustice. He articulated magnificently a biblical view of abortion, of sexuality,” he continues.

“He was very respectful of students as he would challenge them to think more deeply, but he did it in a highly respectful way,” he adds, noting that the “vitriol that was directed against him was pathetic.”

“Now, was he a little bit more radical politically, especially when he started out? And did he say some things probably that I wouldn’t agree with? Yes, I’m sure,” Cliffe says.

And Cliffe’s son, Stuart, recalls that after they held a vigil for Charlie, they also became the target of the far left.

“We’ve had people leave our church,” Stuart tells Stuckey. “We had been ostracized when I led the vigil in our town, which is a very far-left town. So [I’ve] definitely had a lot of backlash, and whenever I get that backlash, I’m always surprised, shocked by what even close friends say about him and what he did because it’s conspiratorial.”

“So that’s tragic in my mind,” he adds.

Want more from Allie Beth Stuckey?

To enjoy more of Allie’s upbeat and in-depth coverage of culture, news, and theology from a Christian, conservative perspective, subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America, defend the Constitution, and live the American dream.

The Left Can’t Erase Moms And Dads, No Matter How Hard They Try

'Mother' and 'father' are real words with real definitions that carry real responsibilities anchored to the creation of a child.

'Left-wing gender goblins': Critics torch New York Times for running 'trans dad' essay on Father's Day



For American leftists, Father's Day — like Columbus Day — constitutes an annual opportunity to publicly unload their baggage, air petty resentments, and express their depravities in creative ways. This Sunday was no different over at the New York Times.

Days after a liberal rag north of the border ran an article calling for the abolition of Father's Day, America's supposed newspaper of record endeavored to make Father's Day about a reality-averse woman.

'The cultural elite['s] contempt for dads runs so deep.'

In an essay published on Sunday titled "To My Daughter, My Gender Was Never Complicated," trans-identifying woman Zach Ellams discussed both her imagined fatherhood and her daughter's absorption of the corresponding lunacy.

Ellams notes at the outset that while she has been "living as a trans man" since she was 18, she had to "learn how to be a trans dad" after she and her lesbian "wife" had a child.

This learning process apparently consisted of Ellams simultaneously developing confidence in the lie while indoctrinating her daughter — a little girl whom Ellams calls Elliot and who has apparently wondered about her mother's new facial hair; stated she too wanted to grow a beard and tried to convince other children it was possible; told teachers about her mother's breast-removal surgery; and asked her mother about her phantom breasts — "How long did you have breasts for, Dad?"

Whether Ellams or her lesbian partner gave birth to the girl is unclear.

RELATED: Actress Elliot Page mocked ruthlessly after trying to define 'healthy masculinity'

Erik McGregor/LightRocket/Getty Images

The essay concludes with Ellams noting, "I thought I was teaching Elliot how to be happy and secure. Yet all along she had being doing that for me."

Critics blasted the Times over its decision to mark Father's Day with an essay about a dysphoric mother.

Investigative reporter Matt Taibbi called the essay an "all-timer," noting he didn't "know where to put it on the funny-vs-horrifying axis."

Alex Berenson, a former reporter for the Times, congratulated his former paper for "perfectly catching how the cultural elite view men and fatherhood this Father’s Day — yes, to the Times, being a dad is something you do to feel better about having your tits cut off. Cannot make it up."

"The cultural elite['s] contempt for dads runs so deep we don't even get to speak for ourselves," Berenson also said.

"The New York Times celebrated Father’s Day by saluting the real heroes: left-wing gender goblins who think mentally ill women mutilating themselves, mainlining hormone injections, and playing daddy dress-up are the true embodiment of fatherhood," wrote Sean Davis, CEO of the Federalist.

"'Liberal women let men have even one single thing challenge': impossible," quipped conservative commentator Michael Knowles.

The X account for Prager University simply asked, "What are we doing here?"

Ellams' essay was published just days after the surgically mutilated lesbian actress formerly known as Ellen Page attempted to define "healthy masculinity," suggesting what's ultimately needed is more weeping and banana consumption.

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White Males Need Not Apply | Jacob Savage | The Glenn Beck Podcast | Ep 284
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White Males Need Not Apply | Jacob Savage | The Glenn Beck Podcast | Ep 284

Dad fires gun outside son's middle school after being denied entry, prompting lockdown: Cops. Later he curses out judge.



A Michigan father is accused of firing a gun outside his son's middle school earlier this week after being denied entry, which prompted a lockdown.

Police in Romulus — which is about a half hour southwest of Detroit — said Shawntez Marshaun Gregory, 44, just before 10 a.m. Tuesday, drove to Romulus Middle School, approached the front doors, and told the school secretary through the intercom, "I am here to get my son. I want my son now!"

'This case is every parent’s nightmare.'

Police said the secretary recognized Gregory as someone who'd been barred from school property and reportedly displayed unstable behavior in the past — and that in this instance, he was "extremely upset" and had a gun.

With that, police said the secretary called 911 and put the school on lockdown. The secretary then heard gunshots, dropped to the floor, and told 911 he was trying to gain entry to the school by "shooting at the locks," police said.

Police said arriving officers took Gregory into custody, recovered a gun, and found seven spent rounds.

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy charged Gregory with multiple felonies, including false report or threat of terrorism; intentional threat to commit act of violence against school, school employees, or students with specific intent to carry out or overt act; carrying a concealed weapon; possession of a weapon in a weapons-free school zone; reckless use of a firearm; and two counts of felony firearm in connection to the incident, WXYZ-TV reported.

Prosecutors told the station that Gregory was about a foot away from the building when he fired the gun seven times — but not directly at the school.

“This case is every parent’s nightmare," Worthy said in a statement, WXYZ said, adding that no one was harmed.

What's more, in regard to police saying the secretary recognized Gregory as someone who'd been barred from school property, it turns out he had a no-trespassing order from the school and was not allowed near his son since Gregory also has been accused of attempting to kidnap him, the station said.

RELATED: Mom 'barged into' third-grade classroom, threatened and cursed out teacher, blocked door preventing teacher, students from leaving: Report

Then came Gregory's arraignment on Thursday at 34th District Court, WXYZ said.

With Judge Lisa Martin presiding, WDIV-TV reported that Gregory swore 14 times, told the judge to get a real job, put his fingers in his ears, and said it was the “the fakest s**t I’ve seen in my life.”

He also refused to answer the judge's questions, WXYZ said.

During the virtual hearing, Martin asked Gregory to state his name for the record, and he replied by saying, “Nope, good f**king bye. Don’t need to talk to me, quit f**king playing with me," WDIV replied.

RELATED: Dad enters HS classroom, confronts student for allegedly bothering his daughter. Dad now charged for making threats, assault.

As bond was being discussed, WDIV said Gregory stated, “This is the fakest s**t I’ve seen in my life. ... You’re going to actually act like this, huh? That s**t is fake. Sorriest s**t and racist in my life. Bunch of racists doing stuff. So I’m done. I’m done talking. We can go, and I can go back and get ready to go back home now. I’m done playing around.”

Gregory then verbally attacked the judge, WDIV said: “You are one of the dumbest black person [sic] I’ve seen in my life, about the dumbest [expletive] I’ve seen in my life. I hate to say that because it’s some racist right here. I hate to say that, though, but don’t waste my time. There’s a racist right here, so don’t waste my time, no more. Tired of f**king with all of y’all. So don’t waste my time.”

The judge then adopted the police department’s recommendation and remanded Gregory without bond, WDIV said.

“Why don’t you get a real job?" Gregory added to the judge, according to WDIV. "Go get a real job."

Gregory remained Friday in the Wayne County Jail.

His next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 20, WDIV reported.

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Father reveals chilling words mother spoke after allegedly killing her 1-year-old daughter on New Year's Day



A Louisiana woman has been charged with murder after police said she fatally shot her 1-year-old daughter on New Year's Day.

The Sulphur Police Department said a shooting was reported around 8:21 p.m. at a home on Quelqueshue Street. Sulphur is a little over three hours west of New Orleans.

'I almost lost two babies. I lost one because her mama wanted to send her to God.'

Police said a 1-year-old girl "had been shot and killed."

The investigation revealed that the girl was "shot and killed by her mother, Kristin Bass," police said.

Officers arrested the 28-year-old mother, and she was charged with first-degree murder. Her bond was set at $10 million.

KPLC-TV reported that the slain child's father, Bradley Moss, told investigators he heard a boom and ran into a room to find their 1-year-old daughter shot and Bass holding a gun.

Meanwhile, the couple's 2-year-old child was crying for help, according to the station.

The father of two reportedly said, "I almost lost two babies. I lost one because her mama wanted to send her to God."

Moss added, "[My older daughter] said, 'Help me, daddy.' And Kristin said, 'I just sent our baby to God.'"

Moss said Bass then uttered, "Now I gotta get her."

RELATED: Stunned judge reveals fate of woman involved in deadly kidnapping of 2 young sisters found in a pit — 1 did not survive

Moss identified the shooting victim as Acelynn Moss, according to KPLC.

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services took custody of the surviving toddler, according to Moss.

Police are asking anyone with information regarding the case to contact Sgt. Jeremy Cain at 337-527-4558.

Police did not immediately respond to Blaze News' request for comment.

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Scrambling for a Christmas gift for Dad? We've got you covered.



We get it. You've spent so much time on other gifts that you may have forgotten one very important person — Dad. While Christmas is just around the corner and it would probably serve you well not to tell anyone when you got these gifts, we have some special recommendations from American companies that your father will love.

Give your dad a gift he'll remember for years — and be proud to own!

1. Liberty Cigar Company

Liberty Cigar Company

Liberty Cigar Company was founded, fittingly, on July 4, 2015, to rekindle the liberty that was so dearly held by those original American seekers of independence. The compay believes that cigars are a quintessential element of the simple pleasures of leisure, a cornerstone of colonial America’s spiritual foundation. Each cigar is named after influential figures of the founding period, so each has a story. The Founders’ Series was Liberty's inaugural cigar collection, featuring 13 cigars for 13 founders. Each cigar is blended to reflect the unique spirit of these historical giants. Box of 13 MSRP: $196.00

2. Lynx Defense

Lynx Defense

With an emphasis on thoughtful design, Lynx Defense is your one-stop shop for all your range-day needs. Founded in 2013 to provide an organized pistol bag, Lynx Defense has since grown into a much larger company committed to providing high-quality gun range accessories. The team has over 150 years of combined sewing experience, and the company's commitment to sourcing and manufacturing its products in the USA guarantees the highest quality. Designed for portability, yet spacious enough for an impressive and organized loadout, the Concord pistol range bag is the solution every shooter at the range has been looking for. MSRP: $369.00

3. KelTec

KelTec

KelTec, established in 1991 with a strong commitment to the Second Amendment and making the world a more secure place, is one of the leading gun manufacturers in the USA and beyond. KelTec proudly employs over 300 American citizens, many of whom are military veterans. KelTec's guns are marked by cutting-edge and innovative designs, made to “strike a nerve” with customers. The semiautomatic SUB2000 is designed for convenience, featuring Glock magazine compatibility and the capability to completely fold in half for easy storage and carry — optics and all. MSRP: $511.00

4. Daniel Defense

Featuring M-LOK attachment technology with the Daniel Defense MFR 15.0 rail, this made-in-the-USA AR-15-style firearm has attachment points in seven positions and an uninterrupted 1913 Picatinny rail on the top, maximizing functionality. It’s also equipped with a DD improved flash suppressor, built around a cold hammer-forged 16-inch barrel to reduce that flash signature.

5. American Giant

The American Giant lightweight full zip is as light as a T-shirt but as cozy as a hoodie. This casual hoodie is perfect for a few extra layers of warmth on cool summer evenings or crisp spring and autumn days. And it’s from a company that produces its products in the USA.

6. White’s Boots

White's Boots

White’s Boots, founded by Edward White in 1853 in Connecticut, has been a legacy boot-making company for nearly 175 years. From 1853 to 1972, Edward White’s legacy was passed on to his family, who were always committed to creating boots they could be proud to sell. As a result of the boom of loggers, miners, and mill workers in the Pacific Northwest in the early 20th century, the company moved west to meet the demand. Now based in Spokane, Washington, White’s Boots continues to produce handcrafted, high-quality boots like the Packer. It’s an all-purpose, all-weather stomper, so well worth the investment. It could be the last boot you’ll ever have to buy. MSRP: $725

7. GoRuck

GoRuck

Founded by a former Green Beret in 2008, GoRuck set out to create high-quality rucksacks inspired by those used in the military. In keeping with the company's special forces roots, GoRuck commits 1% of its annual revenue to supporting communities that protect the American way of life. You can also check out the GoRuck community challenges, which the company has been hosting across the nation since 2010. The new Bullet Ruck x Carryology-Berserker Viking collab showcases the finest craftsmanship and the highest-quality material — all with a lifetime guarantee. MSRP: $795.00

8. Case Knives

Case Knives

Committed to keeping the legacy of American craftsmanship alive for future generations, Case Knives handcrafts its utility knives with an eye to aesthetics. Responsive to its fan base, including an exclusive Collectors’ Club and sponsorship program to inspire younger generations to love American craftsmanship, Case delivers on its promise of excellence. Headquartered in Bradford, Pennsylvania, Case offers a wide range of unique designs among its pocket and kitchen knife collections. The new Crossroads Sod Buster EDC, a fan-favorite design, combines the classic Sod Buster frame with modern enhancements, including a screwed-together build. MSRP: $89.99

9. Gokey

Gokey

Promising timeless style and enduring quality, one company has claimed to be the industry standard in boot-making since 1850. Founded as a premium leather hunting and sporting boots manufacturer, Gokey produces several other leather products, including a variety of shoes, moccasins, and sporting accessories. Handmade in the United States, the boots have been enjoyed by the likes of Presidents Teddy Roosevelt and Dwight Eisenhower and the adventurer turned novelist Ernest Hemingway — a testament to the company’s longevity. The Gokey Super Light Upland Boot, available in Wavy Olive and Chocolate Milonga leather, is built to last in the company's Tipton, Missouri, factory. If you’re in the area, they will happily hand-measure your feet to find the perfect fit for your boots. MSRP: $580.00

10. Saddleback Leather

Saddleback Leather

Saddleback Leather produces heavy-duty, luxury leather goods that “they’ll fight over when you’re dead.” With the confidence of a hundred-year warranty, you’ll never have to worry about anything going awry with these “over-engineered” products. Visit Saddleback Leather’s new showroom in Azle, Texas, coming next year, to get a feel for the passion with which the company creates these premium leather goods. The large classic leather briefcase easily converts to a backpack when you need your hands free and is spacious enough to fit everything you need for a weekend getaway in style. MSRP: $689.00

11. Warwood Tool

Warwood Tool

Boasting a rich, 170-year history, Warwood Tool has supplied American soldiers, firefighters, woodsmen, landscapers, and homeowners since before the Civil War. To this day, it is said that many generations of the same family have worked at the factory, and ownership has only changed hands seven times. The Pulaski axe, developed by “legendary” U.S. Forest Service ranger Ed Pulaski in 1911, is considered to be “nearly synonymous with wildland firefighting.” A combined axe and mattock blade, it is a versatile tool. Hand-forged by American craftsmen from high-quality steel and American hickory in West Virginia, the Pulaski axe is an elite option for all of your outdoor needs. MSRP: $99.00

12. Unplugged

Adobe

Everyone knows it: Our phone data is constantly being accessed and sold by data brokers without our consent. But what can be done about it? Luckily, Unplugged, Erik Prince’s company, has a secure solution: UP Phone. Featuring an advanced operating system designed specifically for privacy protection and a physical “kill switch” on the body of the phone, you can rest assured that your data is kept private and secure in an increasingly vulnerable world.

Dad goes absolutely primal on stranger who reportedly opened his home's front door and told his 'little daughter' he's a cop



A family in Toledo, Ohio, got a most unwelcome visitor Saturday afternoon — a male they didn't know who allegedly opened their front door and announced to a young daughter that he was a police officer.

"This guy came through the back alley, came to the front door, and he was trying to open the entrance," Steven Aranda told WTVG-TV of the frightening encounter. "And my little daughter said, ‘What are you doing?’ She said, ‘You don’t belong here,’ and then he said he was a Toledo cop."

'I threw him down on the ground — slammed him on the concrete and beat him up.'

Charging documents indicated that Parker Jackson, 33, claimed he was a police officer and needed to check on the children in the home, the station said.

Aranda told WTVG Jackson didn't look like a police officer, and a Toledo Police report Blaze News obtained indicated that Jackson provided no identification backing up his claim that he was a cop.

The station said Aranda was concerned about protecting his children and took matters into his own hands.

'I snatched his a*s up, and I threw him down on the ground — slammed him on the concrete and beat him up," Aranda told WTVG. “I pinned him down until the cops got here.”

Indeed, Jackson's arrest photo shows him with a bloody, swollen lip and a cut above his eye.

The police report also said Jackson was showing "visible symptoms of intoxication" by the time officers arrived. In fact, the report added that Jackson appeared to have been carrying several opened and unopened cans of Milwaukee's Best Ice beer at the time of his arrest. The report also said Jackson acknowledged opening the home's front door and claiming to be a police officer.

RELATED: Dad tells cops he caught a rideshare driver sexually assaulting his daughter. So he did what dads do.

Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Jackson pleaded not guilty to charges of aggravated trespassing, inducing panic, and impersonating a police officer, WTVG reported, adding that a judge ordered Jackson to stay away from the family and set his bond at $1,500.

Aranda told the station his four children were shaken by the incident.

“The kids were kind of scared a little bit 'cause, you know, they ain't been playing outside now in the past few days because you can’t trust nobody no more,” he noted to WTVG. “Watch out for your kids where they play at and their surroundings.”

You can watch the video of Aranda's interview with WTVG here.

Jackson on Friday was still behind bars at Lucas County Jail, officials told Blaze News.

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'If I ever cross paths with him ... I will kill him where he stands': Dad sends warning after his son's killer gets big break



Ronald Exantus drove from Indianapolis to Versailles, Kentucky, on Dec. 7, 2015, and entered a home through an unlocked door, investigators told WKYT-TV.

It was before dawn, and authorities told the Associated Press that Exantus grabbed a large kitchen knife he found in the home and went to an upstairs bedroom where 6-year-old Logan Tipton was sleeping.

'I laid in bed. I gave up. I gave up on life. I gave up on my family. I gave up on everybody. I just wanted to die.'

Koral Tipton, Logan’s sister, told WDKY-TV that she "woke up, and I heard Logan screaming, and all I could see was a man, a big man, over top of him, stabbing him.”

Logan’s father, Dean Tipton, also had been sleeping but leaped into action after hearing the hollering.

“He snaps, just snaps, and stands up with me sitting on top of him, and he throws me across the room," Dean Tipton told WDKY. "I mean, maybe 10-15 feet he throws me across the room and goes after [Koral]."

Exantus ended up attacking Dean Tipton and his two daughters that night, too, injuring all of them, WKYT reported — but little Logan didn't make it.

Dean Tipton held his son during his final moments, WDKY said: “He was gasping for air; I was holding him deep in my arms. And finally, he took his last breath, looked at me, closed his eyes, and he was gone.”

After that night, Dean Tipton said he lost the will to live, tearfully telling WLKY that "I laid in bed. I gave up. I gave up on life. I gave up on my family. I gave up on everybody. I just wanted to die."

In 2018, Exantus was found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity but was convicted of assaulting other family members, WDKY said. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison, WKYT said.

Then, as of last week, Exantus was released from prison for good behavior, WDKY reported.

Set free from behind bars 13 years early.

As you likely would conclude, the Tipton family was furious upon hearing the news.

“He did it. He did it in front of me. He did it in front of my siblings," Koral Tipton told WKYT. "And being an older sister, who has the obligation anyway to protect her younger siblings, it’s just, he ruined, he messed us up."

Dean Tipton told WDKY that Extanus said "he was going to kill every one of us. So now, I’ve got to be on extra guard to protect my kids because I will not lose another one, not like this.”

And as you also could likely imagine, Logan's dad issued a chilling promise if he ever runs into Extanus again.

“I’ve had my talks with God 'cause I’m not afraid to tell you all, I told the court — if I ever cross paths with him, I will kill the man," he told WLKY on the station's video report. "I will kill him where he stands."

According to WKYT, the Kentucky Justice Cabinet released the following statement in regard to Exantus’ release:

The Parole Board did not release Ronald Exantus on parole. Exantus was reviewed for parole on 09/30/2025, as required by state law. The Parole Board issued a decision that Exantus stay in prison for the remainder of his sentence.

Despite this decision, a provision in Kentucky law required the Department of Corrections to release the inmate on Mandatory Reentry Supervision (KRS 439.3406).

Exantus will remain under probation and parole supervision until his sentence ends next year, WLKY said, adding that he will serve his mandatory re-entry supervision in Florida.

In addition, the White House confirmed an investigation into Exantus' release: "It’s wholly unacceptable for a child killer to walk free after just several years in prison," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt posted on X Saturday morning.

Logan’s mom, Heather Tipton, added to WDKY that she also made a vow.

“I made myself promise I wasn’t going to let this tear us apart, because statistically, Dean and I should be divorced, or our family should have just broken apart at the seams statistically," she told the station. "And I made a promise that that wasn’t going to happen, and I’m not going to let it happen.”

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Gay Marriage Harms Kids. It’s Time To End It (And Here’s How)

For the sake of the least of these, we must either restore the heavens or answer for the hell we’ve unleashed on children.