North Cook News

Mark Albers, President of Niles Township Republicans, described Charlie Kirk's assassination as a tragic attack on both his life and the ideals of free speech he passionately upheld. Albers characterized it as a betrayal of foundational national truths in a statement to North Cook News.

"The tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk is more than a loss of life—it is an assault on the very ideals he dedicated himself to defending," said Albers. "He was a powerful voice for free speech, open dialogue, and the enduring values of the American Republic. Political violence, especially in such a polarized time, must never be allowed to silence dissent. Let this moment renew our commitment to peaceful engagement and the exchange of ideas."

According to WBEZ Chicago, on September 10, Charlie Kirk, 31, a prominent conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University. The event was part of his "American Comeback" tour. Cellphone footage captured Kirk collapsing after being shot in the neck, causing panic among the crowd. Former President Trump confirmed Kirk's death on Truth Social and ordered flags to be flown at half-staff. Kirk is survived by his wife Erika and two young children.

North Cook News reported that Charlie Kirk had strong ties to Illinois. He grew up in Prospect Heights, attended Wheeling High School, and began his political career there by organizing student initiatives and speaking at local Tea Party events. He briefly attended Harper College before founding TPUSA from a garage in Lemont. The organization expanded nationally but maintained strong Illinois roots with active chapters at several state universities. Kirk frequently returned to speak in Illinois and remained influential in shaping the state's conservative youth movement.

Albers is a resident of Morton Grove, IL, and was appointed as the Niles Township GOP organization's president early in 2024. He has also recently run for Illinois House seat #15. Albers is committed to boosting Republican voter turnout in Niles Township, growing the township's Republican membership, and communicating Republican positions on issues important to Niles Township voters.