Thousands of Charlie Kirk supporters gathered at Utah Valley University on Thursday night to commemorate the conservative activist one year after his assassination on campus. The ceremony honored Kirk, a co-founder of Turning Point USA, who was 31 at the time of his death.
Speakers at the event, including Sage Lloyd, president of UVU's TPUSA chapter, pledged to "continue what he started." Lloyd recalled the grief and struggle experienced by TPUSA members on campus following the incident but emphasized their continued commitment. "The same students who witnessed a political assassination are willing to stand up, speak out, and keep moving forward all because of the impact one man, Charlie Kirk, had on their lives," Lloyd stated.
The event, which began at 8:30 p.m. EST, also featured remarks from radio host Glenn Beck, author Frank Turek, and Turning Point USA's Chief Field Officer Andrew Syphe. The memorial drew criticism from UVU's Students for a Democratic Society, which had planned a protest against the university's decision to host the event, citing that it would negatively affect many students. The event reportedly led to campus closures and class cancellations.
Kirk was shot in the neck on Sept. 10, 2025, during an open mic event at Utah Valley University. The shooting prompted a 33-hour manhunt that resulted in the arrest of Tyler Robinson, 23. Prosecutors stated that Robinson allegedly used a hunting rifle to kill Kirk, motivated by Kirk's "political expression" against gay marriage, trans rights, and "the LGBTQ+ agenda."
Robinson faces a charge of first-degree murder with political targeting and other aggravating factors, which could result in the death penalty if convicted. His trial is pending.
The Utah Valley University service was part of a series of events honoring Kirk, with similar observances held in New York City, Georgia, Florida, Nevada, and Sydney, Australia. National Republicans also planned to honor Kirk with a tribute during their midterm convention in Dallas.