Ken Bensinger, a New York Times reporter covering media and politics who has interviewed Charlie Kirk several times, recalls his influence on right-wing activism and the American political landscape.

The widespread and fast-moving campaign has already resulted in lost jobs, suspensions and internal investigations, heightening tensions online between supporters and detractors of Charlie Kirk.

Initial expressions of grief and shock were overtaken by open calls for reckoning and vengeance, as some proclaimed the country was on the brink of civil war.