Utah Valley University (UVU) has announced plans to host a public vigil in memory of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot during a campus event earlier this month. The gathering, titled “Vigil for Unity,” will take place Thursday, September 19, at the UCCU Center in Orem, Utah.
Kirk, 30, the founder of conservative student organization Turning Point USA, was assassinated on September 10 while speaking at a campus event attended by students and community members. The shooting shocked the nation, igniting debates over political violence and freedom of expression on college campuses.
In a statement, UVU President Astrid S. Tuminez described the tragedy as more than just a personal loss.
“This attack was not just on an individual, but on the spirit of free expression, civil discourse, and intellectual inquiry that sits at the very foundation of our university,” Tuminez said. “Together we choose hope for the future, and care for each other during this time.”
According to the university, the vigil is intended to provide “a space for students, faculty, staff, and community members to come together in remembering, healing, and reaffirming shared values.”
The event is free and open to the public. Doors will open at 2:30 p.m. MT, with the ceremony scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. MT. A video livestream will be available for those unable to attend in person.
The Utah vigil precedes a large-scale memorial service set for Saturday, September 21, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The event is expected to draw thousands of attendees, including former President Donald Trump, high-ranking officials from his administration, and prominent conservative leaders.
The Arizona service will serve as the national commemoration of Kirk’s life and work, underscoring his influence on conservative politics and campus activism.
Since Kirk’s assassination, tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum, while the aftermath has also sparked controversy. Dozens of individuals nationwide have been fired, suspended, or disciplined over comments made online about Kirk’s death, fueling a broader conversation on political discourse in America.
Conservative leaders have framed the killing as a wake-up call about rising hostility toward political figures. Others have emphasized the need for unity and reflection during a divisive moment.
In the days following the shooting, UVU closed its campus and began a phased reopening process. Faculty and staff returned first, followed by the resumption of student services on September 16. Classes officially restarted on September 17.
President Tuminez urged students and faculty to move forward while holding onto the university’s values.
“This is a defining moment for us all,” she said. “May we not let hatred overshadow the goodness of our UVU community and what we stand for.”
As the vigil approaches, the university community is preparing to honor Kirk’s memory while reaffirming its commitment to dialogue, safety, and resilience in the wake of tragedy.