Senator Hagerty Makes Stop in Franklin County and Talks Charlie Kirk, Memphis, and Forecasted Economy
- Terri Carter
- Sep 30
- 8 min read
United States Senator Bill Hagerty made a stop in Franklin County last week during the tour he’s been hosting around the state of Tennessee. The event was held at the Franklin County Annex building and, due to recent events throughout the country and increased security measures, attendance to the event was by invitation only. The senator touched on topics such as the assassination of Charlie Kirk, issues and concerns throughout the state of Tennessee and beyond, and the current and forecasted economy.
After a warm introduction by Franklin County Mayor Chris Guess, Senator Bill Hagerty opened his forum with a solemn reflection on the recent assassination of conservative political figure Charlie Kirk. He spoke candidly about the ripple effects of Kirk’s death, noting its impact not only across the nation but also on a global scale. Hagerty shared that he considered Kirk a personal friend and had recently attended his memorial service in Arizona, where he joined others in honoring Kirk’s legacy and influence.
“The welcoming means even more now that I see that table there dedicated to Charlie.”, stated Hagerty in reference to a memorial table that had been set up at the event. “My wife and I were there in Phoenix at the memorial service. I’ve known Charlie for years and spoken at the Turning Point events.”
The senator went on to explain the somber, yet inspirational event and how the energy of the memorial service brought a sense of revival and uplifting renewed purpose, serving as a reminder of the enduring impact one life can have on an entire nation.
“What I heard there was certainly heartbreak and sorrow. But I also heard inspiration.”, stated Hagerty. “But there was one thing I did not hear. One thing I did not hear was hatred. Even though hatred was what brought us all together. Hatred is what ended Charlie’s life. I did not hear that. Not from anybody.”
The senator said he and his wife got to witness in real time the now viral speech that was delivered by Kirk’s wife, Erika Kirk, and they both wondered where she got her strength.
“You know I think Charlie aptly named the organization Turning Point, because I think we’ve experienced one.”, said Hagerty. “I think that his message is going to carry forward in ways none of us could have imagined.”
While the current number of Turning Point USA chapters in high schools and colleges sits below 2,000, Senator Hagerty noted that the latest figure he had heard—reflecting ongoing inquiries and rapid growth—was a staggering 68,000. He acknowledged that the number is constantly evolving as new chapters form and interest in the organization continues to surge, underscoring what he sees as a growing movement among young conservatives nationwide.
“So, I do believe that something has stirred.”, stated Hagerty. “Something that has been asleep far too long has been awakened here in America. And frankly, it’s not just America. I think this is happening all over the globe. Charlie’s work is being translated. People are watching his videos all over the world.”
The senator then pivoted to the topic of the General Assembly Meeting with the United Nations that was being held that same day, and the effect it could have.
“You’ve got some 150 countries at the U.N. right now, somehow endorsing a Palestinian state.”, stated Hagerty. “They’re doing that to tweak us. They’re doing that to tweak our ally, Israel. It will never happen. I promise you that. It will never happen. But this is what we’re dealing with. And this is why Charlie’s message resonates so much. I told my wife change is coming. Change is here.”
Hagerty then stated that he believed the assassination of Kirk would have an effect on the upcoming mid-term elections. He said that while it was heartbreaking to think that it took the assassination to bring out the underlying strength of the country, he is hopeful that it has awakened something positive throughout the nation.
Not wanting to leave his constituents on such a somber note, the senator then switched his focus to what he has seen on his tour throughout the state and spoke of the primary challenges and opportunities that are taking place.
Starting off, Hagerty addressed mastering the workforce and legal framework of the state to help shape it into what it has become today. He said that Tennessee had been blessed with a God-given location, solid, conservative leadership, great logistics, affordable, reliable energy, and a workforce that has been marketed and mastered.
“But all of that comes together to create something truly exceptional.”, stated the senator. “People want to live here. People want to come here. People want to grow their businesses here. And what you see and what you’ll continue to see is that Tennessee stays at the top of all of the lead tables and the top of the scoreboard in terms of economic development.”
He spoke of his belief in the importance of having a solid economic base, parents having a good job, and having a few people with a business background in leadership and political roles who, he believes, can bring that type of approach to solving problems.
Senator Hagerty shared that one of his most pressing concerns since November of last year has been addressing the rising crime rate in Memphis and its broader impact on the state of Tennessee. Reflecting on his own childhood, he recalled how his parents once discouraged him from visiting his godfather in Memphis due to safety concerns, which served as a memory that underscored how long-standing the issue has been. Fast-forwarding to 12 years ago, during his time in economic development, Hagerty recounted a pivotal moment when a major employer considered bringing a 1,200-job industry to Tennessee, with salaries ranging from $90,000 to $120,000 per position. The CEO of the company reached out directly, requesting statewide crime statistics that could help offset the troubling numbers coming out of Memphis.
“The pandemic brought a new level of crime to Memphis.”, said Hagerty. “The Shelby County School Board did away with all truancy requirements and they have yet to reinstate them. That means the kids don’t have to go to school. But it also means that there are some very serious criminal organizations in Memphis that are basically running these teenagers and having them commit heinous crimes. I’m talking murder, carjacking, serious property damage. And these are 16-and-17-year-olds. It’s got to stop.”
Hagerty stated that an organization that is funded by philanthropist George Soros has added to the problems by paying $600,000 to recruit and elect a district attorney in Shelby County from Yale University who is either reducing criminal charges or letting the offenders go altogether.
“So, what does that create? It creates what they call a doom. Where the police officer arrests the perpetrator, the perpetrator is immediately let go, standing across the street, twiddling his thumbs. And the police are standing right there completely demotivated. What happens when the police officer tries to work up that case? You think that neighbor—the person who was the victim—is going to talk when they know the perpetrator is going to be back on their doorstep in another couple days?”
Senator Hagerty continued by expressing concern over the challenges facing law enforcement in Memphis, noting that the city’s current conditions are making it increasingly difficult for officers to do their jobs effectively. He explained that individuals who are arrested are typically sent to the Shelby County Jail, which is now operating at full capacity. As a result, the overcrowding has led to more frequent early releases.
In November of last year, the senator met with the city mayor of Memphis, Mayor Young, who is responsible for the Memphis Police Department. Hagerty told the mayor that the crime issue in his city was a problem that long pre-dates his administration and that public safety was a basic duty of government and a fundamental need for a city. While it was difficult for the mayor to imagine working with Republicans at first, Young did eventually agree to work with Senator Hagerty and Governor Lee to help fight the crime throughout the city.
Hagerty has also spoken with FBI Director Kash Patel, requesting that he make Memphis a priority. Patel has already agreed and has met with Governor Lee in Nashville. He has put together a workforce involving the mayor, the US Marshall, Senator Marsha Blackburn, and their local congressman. During the initial clean-up, US Marshalls came in and arrested approximately 150 people. During the task force operation that started last July and ended just a few weeks ago, 500 criminals in Memphis were arrested, over 100 federal indictments have been issued so far, and over 100 weapons have been confiscated.
“We are going to get everybody in there that can help us.”, stated Hagerty. “Arrest these people, charge them federally, and get them out of our state. And I have pledged to the mayor that I will do everything that I can to get the resources necessary to sustain it. And what I can’t do federally, Governor Lee has pledged that he will do at a state level. We are hitting it at the local level, the state level, and the federal level.”
The senator circled back to the General Assembly Meeting that was happening at the United Nations, and expressed his frustrations stating that there were nations moving in the wrong direction.
“I did Fox News this morning and told them to remember one thing.”, stated Hagerty. “The United Nations is the venue where all of this is happening. And it was the UN employees, the United Nations refugee program, that were embedded October 7th, 2023 with Hamas, killing and murdering jews. Just remember that. These organizations have gone so far adrift and we need a voice like President Trump’s that will stand there and not be afraid to speak the truth.”
Turning focus to the Ukraine and Russia, the senator stated that the answer was clear, but was not simple.
“Europe has to stop buying refined crude from India, who is buying it from Russia.”, said Hagerty. “China is also involved, but China is a much more complicated relationship for us. But India should get with the program. You’ve got a few billionaires over there that are making a bunch of money by buying Russian oil for cheap, refining it, and selling it to the Europeans. That chain needs to stop. Europeans need to be buying it from us, their allies.”
Before opening the floor to questions from the community, Senator Hagerty concluded his forum by briefly addressing several pressing national issues. He touched on the complicated relationship between the United States and China, emphasizing the importance of energy independence and American dominance in global markets. Hagerty also spoke about the longstanding imbalances in trade and tariffs, noting that these concerns have become a priority under the current administration. He highlighted the recent passage of the Big Beautiful Bill, describing it as the most meaningful and impactful incentive for capital investment in the nation’s history.
Senator Hagerty expressed optimism in the country and the economy and stated how grateful he was to his constituents and for the opportunity to come and speak with the community members of Franklin County.
“I hope you take away from this meeting a sense of optimism.”, stated Hagerty. “I think the most heartwarming thing about my visit here in Winchester today is the outpouring of faith that I felt when I first came in to the room. The experiment that our founding fathers began is manifesting itself in a way that this nation can deliver more peace and more prosperity and more freedom and liberty than any other nation on the planet. And I think we’re finding our way to do that.”
“President Trump is at the UN right now delivering a message that is consistent with that. America is shining stronger today as a result and I think we’re going to continue to stand as a beacon of liberty and hope for the rest of the world.”
