Turning Point USA’s UTD chapter held a heavily-policed vigil last Wednesday in honor of right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk.
The event was organized after Kirk, a prominent right-wing activist and founder of conservative college-focused nonprofit TPUSA, was assassinated Sept. 10 while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University. As a highly polarizing figure, criticized by opponents for his anti-DEI, anti-LGBTQ, pro-gun and anti-Black stances, his death was mourned by both his supporters and those who viewed his activism as exercise of his right to free speech. Computer science senior Hudson Green, president of TPUSA’s UTD chapter, said Kirk was highly influential for conservative movements at schools across the nation.
“Charlie essentially created the largest conservative movement in high schools and college campuses that we’ve pretty much ever seen in this country, which is a huge accomplishment,” Green said. “His organization gives us [the] resources we need to educate [people] on current political issues, and it encourages critical thinking among [our] peers, and the whole point of college is really to be able to express differing viewpoints.”
Before the event, roughly 10 police officers, including UTDPD’s chief of police, arrived at Founders North to secure the auditorium where the vigil would take place. Officers were stationed at every entrance to the auditorium and checked each attendee’s bags for weapons or substances that could potentially be used to cause harm at the event.
TPUSA passed out miniature American flags for attendees to wave in honor of Kirk. The seating inside the auditorium quickly filled up, with the auditorium reaching capacity half an hour after the event began with over 200 people present. Attendees were a mix of students and off-campus guests TPUSA invited to attend the vigil.
The event began with a brief overview of TPUSA, followed by screening a video tribute to Kirk TPUSA’s national chapter arranged. After the tribute, Brandon Worsham, a pastor with UTD’s Fellowship of Christian University Students, spoke about how Christians should react to the death of Kirk. Worsham led the audience through prayers and said Christians should deal with Kirk’s death without hate or enmity toward their political opponents.
“Jesus told us to love our enemy, and what does it mean to love your enemy?” Worsham said. “Jesus wants me to love my political enemies … I need to speak kindly to and about people who vote differently than I do. Be patient and un-irritated with politicians. Stop keeping a mental list of what the other does wrong … I’ve somewhat come to grips with the idea of speaking kindly about politicians I dislike, but keeping no record of their wrongs feels irresponsible. And you know what? Maybe it’s radical, but it is what Jesus commands. So here’s my challenge — love your political enemy.”
After the pastor’s speech, eulogies began. Four speakers, ranging from the organization’s secretary to a former president of the chapter, spoke at length about what Kirk meant to them. Math alum Corbett Amis, former president of UTD’s TPUSA chapter, said Kirk changed the U.S. through his work. Amis said that in an interview with podcaster Jack Selby, Kirk said he wanted to be remembered for courage in his faith.
“He said ‘the most important thing is my faith,’” Amis said. “And remembered he is. If we take a look at this past Sunday, churches were overflowing. They were packed, and it’s all thanks to Charlie. Without Charlie, I don’t believe Trump would have won the 2024 election, and potentially 2016 … But I also don’t think Gen Z will be as conservative as it is today without Charlie Kirk. He changed lives and impacted the world.”
Following the eulogies, the vigil proper was held just outside the auditorium in TI Plaza. The plaza was closed off by police vehicles as a police drone watched the event from the skies. Attendees were invited to leave flowers for Kirk or write a supportive message on a roll of poster paper that would be sent to Kirk’s family.
The event was attended by various members of UTD administration. When asked about the event, Dean of Students Amanda Smith said administrators were there because “[they were] just supporting students.”
Green said UTD’s branch of TPUSA held the vigil not only to remember the life of Charlie Kirk, but to also highlight why he died. Green said TPUSA fights to defend the right to free speech.
“TPUSA as a whole, our values are capitalism [and] freedom of speech, and it doesn’t matter what side you’re speaking on,” Green said. “Everyone has the right to say what they want to say and no one should be silenced or shot or anything for those beliefs.”
