More than 7,000 people gathered at Colorado State University’s Canvas Stadium on Thursday evening for a vigil honoring Charlie Kirk, the founder of the conservative organization Turning Point USA. The event was held just over a week after Kirk was assassinated during a speaking engagement in Utah.
The gathering in Fort Collins was the first scheduled stop on Kirk's 'American Comeback Tour' following his death on September 10. Organizers repurposed the planned political rally into a memorial service to accommodate the large number of supporters wishing to pay their respects.
Key Takeaways
- Over 7,000 people attended a vigil for Charlie Kirk at Colorado State University's Canvas Stadium.
- The event replaced a previously scheduled tour stop after Kirk's assassination on September 10.
- Speakers included former gubernatorial candidate Heidi Ganahl and conservative commentator Isabel Brown.
- Attendees and speakers emphasized themes of free speech and condemnation of political violence.
A Large Turnout in Fort Collins
On Thursday evening, a significant crowd assembled at the stadium located at 751 W. Pitkin St. Before the event began, supporters lined the street, many dressed in patriotic colors and merchandise associated with former President Donald Trump. The official attendance was reported to be over 7,000, filling nearly a quarter of the stadium's capacity.
The atmosphere was described as somber yet resolute. As people waited for the vigil to start, chants of “U-S-A” could be heard intermittently. A small stage was set up with three large images of Kirk, adorned with flowers, creating a focal point for the memorial.
From Tour Stop to Memorial
Charlie Kirk was scheduled to speak at Colorado State University as part of his multi-state 'American Comeback Tour.' His death at a prior event at Utah Valley University on September 10 prompted Turning Point USA to convert the Fort Collins rally into a public vigil. This allowed the organization and its followers to collectively mourn and honor his memory.
Speakers Remember a 'Warrior for Free Speech'
The vigil featured several speakers who knew and worked with Kirk. Former Republican gubernatorial candidate Heidi Ganahl was among those who addressed the crowd. She described Kirk as a pivotal figure for young conservatives and a strong advocate for open discourse on college campuses.
“He was a warrior for free speech, unshackled by censorship, for small government, unbowed by a bureaucracy, and for crushing the creeping shadow of collectivism that threatens the American dream today,” Ganahl stated during her speech.
Isabel Brown, a CSU alumna and president of the university's Turning Point USA chapter, also spoke. She shared a personal story about how she discovered the organization through a social media advertisement at a time when she felt isolated for her conservative Christian beliefs on campus. “I was alone, I was isolated, and I was desperate for an outlet to connect with others who shared my Christian conservative worldview,” Brown told the audience.
Other speakers included conservative commentator Will Witt and pastor Andrew Wommack, who both paid tribute to Kirk's influence and impact.
Voices from the Crowd
Many attendees expressed that Kirk's death served as a significant moment for them. Matt Johnson, a resident of nearby Weld County, said he hoped the tragedy would inspire people to be more open about their political beliefs. “Too many are scared to be harmed by saying I’m on the right or this or that,” Johnson commented. “This has given people time to stand up and say, ‘You know what? I actually believe this and I’m not gonna hide anymore.’”
Turning Point USA's Campus Presence
Founded in 2012 by Charlie Kirk, Turning Point USA has established a significant presence on college and high school campuses across the United States. The organization reports having chapters at hundreds of educational institutions, where it promotes principles of free markets and limited government.
Archibald Allison, a pastor from Emmaus Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Fort Collins, attended after learning that many young members of his congregation were admirers of Kirk. “They want to talk about what happened. They want to do something,” Allison said. “They want to feel for the family and so many people across the country that are affected.”
A Call to Condemn Political Violence
Following the main vigil, a separate event took place nearby. The organization National Ground Game, which was created to counter the efforts of Turning Point USA, hosted a debate-style forum. The group had been engaging in debates with Kirk since April and had planned to do so again at CSU.
Zee Cohen-Sanchez, the executive director of National Ground Game, acknowledged Kirk's effectiveness as a political organizer despite their opposing views. “I really believe that Charlie was one of, if not the best, political operative of our generation,” she said, noting that his ability to combine media with grassroots engagement was something her own organization drew inspiration from.
Ed Ledezma-Moncada, a creator with the group, stressed the importance of denouncing political violence from all sides. “We’re not going to move forward with the country if only one side is condemning it, the right needs to condemn it as well,” he said. “It’s sad what happened to Charlie… I never thought he deserved to die.”