SAN ANTONIO — The UTSA Chapter of Turning Point USA, an organization started by Charlie Kirk, held a candlelight vigil in his honor Monday night.
The conservative political activist was assassinated last week at a speaking engagement in Utah.
Turning Point is a nonprofit created to advocate for conservative politics on school campuses, though Monday’s vigil welcomed all supporters of the 31-year-old.
The full crowd was made up of people wearing American flags, or shirts with Kirk’s photos and other quotes. A speaker from Turning Point’s Faith Branch, TPUSA Faith, gave remarks and condolences to Kirk’s family.
Other supporters brought flowers and signs — many of them extended their sympathies. They said they feel personally affected by Kirk’s death.
“If you’re a republican or a democrat, no one should ever cross the line,” said teen Harlee Bennett. “Standing for Charlie Kirk is just a big deal for us today.”
Kirk is known as a polarizing figure in the political world. Though, his fans say his beliefs should not have gotten him killed.
“I think this kind of shows a hole that we have in our society that we should be able to speak freely based on what we believe,” Lilly Hegar said. “Other people, if we disagree — we can agree to disagree. I’m still going to respect you as a person. There’s no need for violence and all of that.”
We tried speaking with members of the campus’ Turning Point chapter, but were told the organization isn’t making statements at this time.
Several SAPD and UTSA campus police officers were standing by for the event, though none of them had to step in. In a social media post, the chapter announced that security would be provided by law enforcement due to safety and security concerns.
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6:42 PM
SAN ANTONIO – A vigil is scheduled to take place at 7 p.m. on the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) campus to honor the late Charlie Kirk.
This marks the first public statement from the UTSA Turning Point USA chapter since Kirk’s passing.
In a social media post, the chapter announced that security will be provided by both campus police and additional law enforcement agencies due to safety and security concerns.
UTSA is one of nearly 1,000 college campuses nationwide with Turning Point USA chapters, many of which are holding similar vigils.
The event is set to occur at the Sambrilla, with the community expected to gather in less than an hour to mourn together.