People nationwide are mourning the death of Charlie Kirk, coming together to honor the lives and legacies of conservative activists through vigils on university campuses and in public spaces.
During the recent Mondays and weekends, gatherings took place across the country, including locations like the University of South Carolina (USC), Arizona State University (ASU), Washington Square Park in New York City, and Beverly Hills Garden Park in California.
Arizona State University
At ASU, the Turning Point USA chapter hosted a significant vigil on Monday to remember the nonprofit’s founders. Attendance was free with prior registration, and by Monday afternoon, over 10,000 students and community members had signed up, as reported by a local Fox affiliate.
“We invite fellow members and the community to honor Charlie Kirk with a candlelight vigil at Desert Financial Arena on Monday, September 15th at 5:30 PM,” read the announcement.
Participants lit their phones in memory of Kirk at the vigil, which took place on the ASU campus in Tempe, Arizona.
University of South Carolina
USC students held a vigil through the night on Monday, filling the venue with their presence. Due to the overwhelming turnout, organizers had to manage the crowd, separating some attendees, according to reports.
The USC Turning Point USA chapter, which organized the event, encouraged people to “continue to pray for each other.” One post reflected on the dark time in the country, stating, “There are no words to describe how much we have lost.” Kirk was described as someone who gave a voice to those who disagreed with him and who was deeply committed to his faith.
Utah Valley University
Students and locals at Utah Valley University paid their respects to Charlie Kirk on Monday as well. The memorial filled the grassy areas outside the campus as it reopened for students seeking mental health support and staff returning to work.
Inside the courtyard, flags were displayed where Kirk had stood before his assassination, adorned with flowers and messages honoring him.
Washington Square Park in New York City
In New York City, mourners gathered in Washington Square Park on Sunday night to pay tribute to Kirk. Photos from the event depicted supporters around images of conservative activists, lit candles, and participants chanting “USA! USA! USA!” to commemorate the gathering’s significance.
Organizers emphasized that individuals from diverse political backgrounds united in the belief that “political violence does not belong in this republic,” affirming the importance of freedom and happiness.
Beverly Hills Garden Park
On Sunday afternoon, a large crowd filled Beverly Hills Garden Park for a rally and vigil in honor of Kirk. Local reports included quotes from attendees expressing their feelings of loss and connection to Kirk’s messages about freedom.
Looking ahead, Turning Point USA announced a significant public ceremony titled “Building a Heritage that Remembers Charlie Kirk,” set to take place next Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. It was mentioned that President Trump plans to attend and may make a statement.
