Carson linked freedom and faith, suggesting Americans cannot be truly free if they lack the type of boldness to stand up for their beliefs.

“I want us all to remember, you cannot be the land of the free if you’re not the home of the brave,” he said. “You’ve got to stand up for what you believe in.”

Carson closed by quoting Christ in John 12:24, noting that Kirk was shot at 12:24 p.m.: “‘Except a corn of wheat fall onto the ground and die, it abideth alone, but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.’ And I want to thank Charlie for his sacrifice, because much fruit is going to be realized.”