On Thursday evening, Utah Valley University in Orem hosted a memorial service that drew thousands of friends, family and supporters to honor the life of Turning Point USA founder and president Charlie Kirk, who was tragically shot and killed during a campus event on Sept. 10, 2025.
Family and Faith Remembered
Erika Kirk, Charlie’s widow and current TPUSA chair and CEO, attended the service but did not speak. Dr. Frank Turek, author of “I Don’t Have Enough Faith To Be An Atheist” and leader of the Cross Examined ministry, delivered a heartfelt tribute, calling Kirk the greatest man he ever personally knew for his humility, intellect and focus on God‑ordained institutions: government, family and the church.
“Charlie would always say, ‘Politics is not our first responsibility, but it helps us achieve our first responsibility,’” Turek said, emphasizing the importance of the biological two‑parent family as the foundation of civilization.
Legacy of Liberty and Marriage
Kirk, 31, was a vocal proponent of marriage and encouraged men to marry and raise children. His faith in Jesus Christ was a central theme throughout the service, with Turek noting, “Charlie is not in heaven because of any good things he did. He is in heaven because his Savior died for Charlie Kirk.”
Sage Lloyd, president of the Turning Point USA chapter at Utah Valley University, described the chapter’s grief but also its resolve, saying, “We had every reason to give up, but we did not.” She added that while Kirk may never speak again, the millions of voices he inspired will continue to speak out.
Freedom as Responsibility
Mikey McCoy, chief of staff at TPUSA, echoed the theme of liberty, stating, “Freedom is not merely a possession; it’s a responsibility.” He condemned the assassin’s act, noting that violence only proves the attacker “never had an argument.”
Daily Wire personality Michael Knowles warned that American politics has suffered a loss, saying the right is now less coherent and the left more radical and openly violent. He also reflected on the meaning of Kirk’s name, noting that “Charlie” means free man and “Kirk” literally means church.
Support from Fellow Conservatives
Glenn Beck of The Blaze defended Kirk’s legacy, rejecting accusations of hate and calling his message one of love. Beck urged young attendees to follow Kirk’s example by “learning and living and speaking the truth” wherever it is needed.
The service concluded with a call to action: “You are the equal and opposite reaction. You are the life after his death,” Beck declared, encouraging the audience to continue Kirk’s mission of faith, family and freedom.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
