Supporters of Charlie Kirk return to Utah campus a year after assassination
Supporters of Charlie Kirk returned to Utah Valley University on Thursday night to mark the one-year anniversary of his assassination. Turning Point USA (TPUSA) described the event as a deliberate effort to reclaim the campus space in Kirk’s honor.
Andrew Kolvet, TPUSA spokesman and executive producer of “The Charlie Kirk Show,” told Fox News host Jesse Watters that the gathering aimed to honor Kirk’s legacy. Andrew Sypher, TPUSA’s chief field officer, said he was standing about 10 feet to Kirk’s left when the fatal shot was fired on Sept. 10, 2025.
“Steps from these doors is the ground where evil unfolded,” Sypher told the crowd. “We did not come back to rehearse the crime scene. We came because this is where they tried to end him, and this is where we refuse to let the last word be a gunshot.”
The anniversary also marked a moment for UVU’s TPUSA chapter, whose members witnessed Kirk’s death. Chapter President Sage Lloyd told attendees that their lives had changed forever and described the emotions of fear, grief, and heartbreak experienced by students.
“We could have packed our bags. We could have stepped away,” Lloyd said. “Despite the tragedy, the chapter stayed. The same students who witnessed a political assassination are willing to stand up, speak out, and keep moving forward.”
Sypher shared what he said was a text message Kirk sent him on the morning of the shooting. Kirk wrote, “Andrew, I’m not here to pick a fight. I am here to show them kindness. That was the assignment this time. To talk with students who hate you. To share the truth, and to not become cruel doing it.” Kirk was fatally shot shortly afterward. Sypher added, “Charlie’s assassination did not put our faith to death. It woke it up.”
The service included worship performances, video tributes, and the unveiling of a new statue to remain on campus. Erika Kirk, Charlie’s widow, marked the anniversary with a black-and-white photo from their wedding with the words “…until Heaven” overlaid.
Although UVU did not organize the memorial, university President Dr. Jon Anderson previously told Fox News Digital that the school supported TPUSA’s use of campus space. Lloyd concluded her remarks by emphasizing that the chapter remains active and committed to carrying Kirk’s voice forward, stating, “Our chapter is still here, we are still speaking, and we are nowhere near done.”
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