‘The Charlie Effect’: Church attendance surges nationwide following Kirk’s assassination

OAN Staff Katherine Mosack

Churches across the United States experienced a sharp rise in attendance the weekend following the tragic assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Charlie, a devout Christian, frequently shared his faith on his podcast and during public appearances. On June 29^th, during an appearance on “The Iced Coffee Hour” podcast, he was asked how he wished to be remembered after his passing.

“I want to be remembered for courage for my faith. That would be the most important thing,” Charlie said. “The most important thing is my faith in my life.”

Charlie’s widow, Erika Kirk, was famously photographed holding a cross necklace out the window of a car when Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance came to transport Charlie’s casket aboard Air Force Two.

According to Andrew Kolvet, Charlie’s executive producer, Erika had originally given the necklace to Charlie as a gift. However, it had to be removed in a desperate attempt to save his life after he was fatally shot in the neck. Kolvet noted that Erika now keeps the cross with her at all times.

Erika Kirk holding Charlie Kirk's cross necklace.

Please pray for the Kirk family today. pic.twitter.com/79cYfqYfNt

— Christian Tweets (@JesusSavesUs777) September 12, 2025

Erika gave a 16-minute address on Friday, two days after her husband’s death, which was livestreamed from his podcast studio on YouTube.

“Now and for all eternity, he will stand at his savior’s side wearing the glorious crown of a martyr,” Erika declared.

“My goodness, I am so humbled to witness, Charlie, you alongside Jesus right now doing what you always wanted to do, baby. Making heaven crowded, right?” She said. “That’s what it’s all about, making heaven crowded.”

Since Charlie’s death, what many are calling “the Charlie Effect” or “the Charlie Kirk Effect,” an increasing number of Americans who don’t typically attend church have begun going to services, according to the Catholic News Agency.

Matt Zerrusen, co-founder of Newman Ministry, a Catholic nonprofit with about 250 campuses nationwide, spoke with Catholic college ministry leaders throughout the country. He explained that “every one of them told me they’ve seen bigger crowds.”

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