On Thursday night, Turning Point USA (TPUSA) organized a memorial event at Utah Valley University (UVU) in Orem, Utah, marking the one‑year anniversary of Charlie Kirk’s assassination. TPUSA spokesman and “The Charlie Kirk Show” executive producer Andrew Kolvet told Fox News host Jesse Watters the gathering was a deliberate effort to “reclaim” the space in Kirk’s honor and for his legacy.
Witnesses recall the tragedy
TPUSA chief field officer Andrew Sypher said he was standing about ten feet to Kirk’s left when the fatal shot rang out on Sept. 10, 2025. “Steps from these doors is the ground where evil unfolded,” Sypher said, emphasizing that the group did not return to rehearse the crime scene but to assert that “the last word will not be a gunshot.”
Students speak about faith and courage
UVU TPUSA chapter president Sage Lloyd addressed the crowd, noting that the tragedy had changed the lives of the students. “A year ago, our lives changed forever,” she said, describing the emotions of fear, grief, confusion and heartbreak that many felt. Lloyd added that the chapter could have “packed our bags” and stepped away, but chose to stay and move forward.
“We can let it define us through fear, or we can let it strengthen us through courage,” Lloyd said, declaring that the UVU chapter had chosen courage. The event featured worship performances, video tributes, and the unveiling of a new statue to remain on campus.
Kirk’s final message
Sypher read a text Kirk allegedly sent the morning of his death: “Andrew, I’m not here to pick a fight. I am here to show them kindness.” He said the assignment that day was to talk with students who opposed him, share the truth, and avoid cruelty.
“Charlie’s assassination did not put our faith to death,” Sypher told the crowd. “It woke it up.” The university closed its campus for the anniversary, though UVU President Dr. Jon Anderson clarified that the school did not organize the memorial but supported TPUSA’s use of campus space.
Family remembrance
Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, marked the day with a black‑and‑white wedding photo bearing the words “…until Heaven.” The family’s tribute underscored the enduring impact of Kirk’s message on the conservative student movement.
Fox News Digital’s Michael Ruiz contributed to this reporting.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
