Vincent Garza
Members of the Huntsville community gather in the Old Main Pit with lit candles on Thursday during a vigil for Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.
The Turning Point USA chapter at SHSU held a vigil on campus in remembrance of Charlie Kirk on Thursday night, one day after the 31-year-old conservative activist and influencer who founded Turning Point USA was shot and killed during an event at Utah Valley University.
People began to gather around the Old Main Pit around 8 p.m., with some bringing flowers, some with their kids, and some with Bibles in their hands. Police officers were roaming the area, and the overall atmosphere was solemn, with many still struggling to process the events of the previous day.
At 8:30 p.m., the service began. Nyle Torpy, president of the Turning Point USA chapter at SHSU, opened up with a small speech in remembrance of Kirk, and led a prayer shortly thereafter. Lit candles were passed around, and those in attendance were encouraged to share their thoughts and feelings. One by one, people stood and shared their grievances. Topics included finding solace in each other at a time of uncertainty, prayers for Kirk’s wife and children, and an emphasis on stopping violence everywhere. There were no protesters, hecklers or interruptions throughout the entirety of the event.
Turning Point USA’s SHSU chapter and SHSU College Republicans have chosen not to comment at this time.
Kirk, a close ally of President Donald Trump, was outspoken in his support of conservative policies and had drawn criticism in the past for his views on topics such as race, abortion and transgender rights. Wednesday’s event in Orem, Utah was the first stop on a fall tour that was scheduled to visit numerous college campuses across the country.
Tyler Robinson, 22, has been identified by officials as the suspect in Kirk’s assassination. It was announced Friday morning that Robinson had been taken into custody.