Dozens of students, alumni, and local residents gathered at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) on Saturday to honor the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The vigil, held just over a week after his assassination, was organized by the university's Turning Point USA chapter and brought together both supporters and individuals with opposing viewpoints.
Key Takeaways
- A memorial vigil for conservative activist Charlie Kirk took place at Grand Valley State University on Saturday, September 20.
- The event was organized by the GVSU chapter of Turning Point USA, an organization Kirk founded.
- Attendees included supporters who viewed Kirk as a mentor, as well as individuals who disagreed with his political positions but attended to engage in dialogue.
- Organizers stated the vigil's primary goals were to honor Kirk's legacy, promote faith, and continue his movement.
- The GVSU chapter of Turning Point USA announced plans for future events, including a debate, to further honor Kirk.
A Gathering to Remember a Political Figure
On Saturday evening, the campus of Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan, became the site of a memorial for Charlie Kirk. The event drew dozens of people from the university community and the surrounding area. Initially planned to take place outdoors at the campus clock tower, the vigil was moved inside due to inclement weather.
The gathering was organized by the GVSU chapter of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), the conservative student organization Kirk founded. The atmosphere was one of reflection, with attendees participating in prayer, singing hymns, and sharing thoughts on Kirk's life and influence.
Who Was Charlie Kirk?
Charlie Kirk was a prominent American conservative activist and media personality. In 2012, he founded Turning Point USA, a non-profit organization that advocates for conservative principles on high school, college, and university campuses across the country. Known for his public speaking and political commentary, Kirk became a significant voice in modern conservative politics.
Organizers Emphasize Faith and Continuation of Mission
Noah Mullins, the president of the Turning Point USA chapter at GVSU, addressed the purpose of the vigil. He explained that while honoring Kirk was central, the event was also intended to inspire attendees to carry forward the values Kirk promoted.
"We are reinvigorated to continue this movement for Charlie," Mullins stated. "No matter what comes at us we will continue to march forward. It’s what Charlie would have wanted and it’s what Charlie did in his everyday life."
Mullins also highlighted that faith was a core component of the gathering. He noted that the organizers' ultimate goal was to encourage people to turn to their faith during a challenging time, a principle he said was important to Kirk himself.
"We feel that, like Charlie did, proclaiming the gospel is the ultimate mission," Mullins said. "It was to bring people to God today and turn to God, because we don’t know where else to turn in these times of crisis."
Personal Reflections from Attendees
For many who attended, Kirk's influence was deeply personal. They described him as a mentor and a figure who articulated values they held dear. This sentiment was shared by both students and local residents.
"Charlie was like a mentor to me. I grew up listening to him," said Jacob Leestma, a resident of Allendale who came to pay his respects. Leestma's comment reflects the connection many young conservatives felt with Kirk's message.
Max Eckhardt, a GVSU student, spoke about the sense of community at the event. "It feels more like home when you’re around people that share the same values — church, family, and the things that really matter," Eckhardt explained. This desire for community was a common theme among supporters.
Turning Point USA on Campus
Turning Point USA reports having a presence on over 3,500 school campuses nationwide. The organization is known for hosting events with conservative speakers, organizing student debates, and maintaining a Professor Watchlist that accuses certain academics of discriminating against conservative students.
Dialogue Across Ideological Divides
The vigil was notable not only for the presence of Kirk's supporters but also for those who fundamentally disagreed with his views. Matthew McCarthy, a GVSU alumnus, attended the event despite his opposition to Kirk's political stances.
"Some of the things he has said about women minorities, LGBTQ+, and different groups of people… I can not understand why people would support what he says," McCarthy said. He explained that his purpose in attending was not to protest but to engage in respectful conversation with those who held different beliefs.
McCarthy reported that his interactions were productive and civil. This suggests the event provided a rare opportunity for peaceful dialogue between people with conflicting perspectives.
"We had mostly calm, collected conversations, where we exchanged ideas and if we didn’t agree, we agree to disagree," he recounted.
Future Plans for the GVSU Chapter
Following the vigil, the GVSU Turning Point USA chapter indicated that it intends to continue its activities in honor of its late founder. Mullins announced that the group is planning future events to promote the ideas Kirk championed.
Among the planned activities is a debate-style event scheduled for the coming weeks. The chapter hopes such events will continue to foster discussion and keep Kirk's legacy alive on campus. The commitment to hosting debates aligns with TPUSA's broader mission of promoting conservative viewpoints within academic environments.
