(NewsNation) — Bible sales rose in the weeks following the fatal shooting of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk, who often quoted the Bible during his debates, according to data reviewed by the Wall Street Journal.

2.4 million Bibles were sold in the U.S. in September, representing a 36% jump over the same month of 2024 and marking the biggest month for Bible sales in 2025, according to book tracker Circana BookScan.

“September brought a wave of troubling events; violence, geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty underscoring a pattern: In times of crisis, more people turn to faith for comfort and support,” Brenna Connor, an analyst at Circana BookScan, told the WSJ.

Charlie Kirk wanted to be remembered for his faith

Charlie Kirk died Sept. 10 after he was shot at a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University, where he was debating students. He was 31 years old.

A few months before his assassination, the Turning Point USA founder said that if he were to die, he wanted to be remembered for his Christian faith.

“I want to be remembered for courage for my faith. That would be the most important thing. The most important thing is my faith in my life,” he said.

Bible sales up in 2025, despite falling print sales

Bible sales were up 11% through September of 2025 compared to the first nine months of last year.

The rise in Bible sales contrasts with a 1% decline in overall U.S. print book sales during the same period.

NewsNation’s Susie Pinto contributed to this report