When Charlie Kirk was assassinated while speaking in front of a crowd of college students on Sept. 10, something fundamental changed in our country. 

The conservative activist’s horrific murder, allegedly for his views, galvanized partisan divisions that had been forming for a long time. 

Hatred on both sides of the political aisle was on full display in the wake of his senseless killing – and has continued since. 

Perhaps, given what’s happened in 2025, it’s not surprising that most Americans are fearful about the future of free speech – one of our most important and fundamental rights. A new poll from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression offers some perspective on where we are as a country. FIRE’s National Speech Index is updated quarterly. 

The poll, released Nov. 13, found a record number of........

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