Multiple college campuses across the United States have seen events and social media posts on the first anniversary of conservative activist Charlie Kirk's assassination that appear to mock his death. Reports indicate celebrations and "look-alike contests" tied to Georgetown University, the University of South Carolina, the University of Maine, and New York University.
At NYU, an anonymous user posted a flyer on the campus Yik Yak community advertising a "KIRKAVERSARY C. KIRK LOOKALIKE CONTEST" with a cash prize. Similar events were reportedly advertised on anonymous social media platforms at Georgetown and the University of South Carolina.
Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, was assassinated on September 10, 2025, while speaking at Utah Valley University. His death has been marked by a series of controversial online posts and alleged on-campus activities.
Screenshots shared by the Georgetown University chapter of Turning Point USA showed an alleged Kirk "lookalike contest" planned for the anniversary, which garnered significant attention on Fizz, an anonymous social media platform. At the University of South Carolina, an event described as "Kirkiversary" was advertised on Yik Yak, offering a monetary prize.
Universities have responded to the reports with statements condemning any celebrations of violence. The University of South Carolina stated they had no record of any registered student organization planning such an event and that university resources would not be used to support it. Georgetown University also indicated no knowledge of such campus-related activity.
Beyond look-alike contests, flyers mocking Kirk's death have reportedly appeared at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, with messages such as "REST IN PISS FOREVER MISS." The University of Tennessee-Knoxville also reported condemning messages that celebrate political violence after "Kirkaversery" flyers advertised a gathering marking the anniversary.
At the Rochester Institute of Technology, flyers online appeared to advertise a "CHARLIE KIRK LOOKALIKE COMPETITION" and a "Twerk for Kirk" competition, though the flyers specified they were not affiliated with the university.
The University of Maine also addressed anonymous social media posts that used the term "Kirkiversary" to mock Kirk's death. In a statement, the university condemned violence, threats of violence, and rhetoric that celebrates or makes light of violence, emphasizing that student safety is a top priority. They noted that Yik Yak is an independent platform not affiliated with the university.
UNC Charlotte also issued a statement indicating that messages posted on Yik Yak were not generated by the university and that they do not condone such posts. Similarly, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln acknowledged flyers found on campus but stated there was no indication that anyone affiliated with the university was responsible for their creation or distribution, reinforcing their commitment to student safety and well-being.