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One-Year Anniversary Memorial for Charlie Kirk Sparks Protests at Utah Valley University
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One-Year Anniversary Memorial at Utah Valley University
Turning Point USA (TPUSA) will hold a “Freedom Built to Last Memorial” on September 10, 2025 at the UCCU Center, UVU. Speakers include Glenn Beck and Frank Turek. Attendance requires a ticket; security will use metal detectors, bag inspections and will ban balloons, drones, recording equipment and face coverings that conceal more than the mouth and nose. The ceremony will be livestreamed on YouTube, X, Facebook and Rumble.
Background & Context
Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and podcaster, was assassinated while speaking at UVU on September 10, 2025. He was 31 and a noted ally of President Donald Trump. Kirk co-founded TPUSA at age 18. The alleged shooter, Tyler Robinson, surrendered the next day, pleaded not guilty to aggravated murder and faces the death penalty if convicted.
Student Opposition and Protests
The UVU chapter of Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), together with the Community Defense Club of UVU and The Black Menaces, organized a protest outside the memorial venue. Their open letter has gathered 483 signatures and condemns the university’s decision to close campus on the anniversary and to host the TPUSA event, accusing UVU President Jon Anderson of aligning with “openly racist and antagonistic” views. Protesters plan to demonstrate during the ceremony, saying the memorial “perpetuates hatred and divisiveness.”
Official Statements & Responses
Interim President Wayne Vaught announced the campus closure on August 7, emphasizing healing for the university community.
TPUSA described the memorial as a “deliberate act of remembrance” and a call for supporters to continue Kirk’s work.
Netflix’s UK spokesperson clarified that a recent X post linking a plot point from *The Gentlemen* to Kirk’s death was “inaccurate and ludicrous.”
President Donald Trump, speaking at the Republican midterm convention on September 9, expressed personal grief, saying, “I just want to say we love you, Charlie,” and later praised Erika Kirk’s resilience.
Verbatim Quotes
Data & Statistics
- 483 signatures on the SDS open letter.
- Security protocol: metal-detector checks, one small clutch bag per person, bans on drones, balloons, banners, noisemakers, cameras, recording equipment and face coverings that conceal more than the mouth and nose.
- Tickets are mandatory; attendees are advised to arrive early for parking and screening.
What’s Next
Tyler Robinson is scheduled to appear in court on October 23 for the next phase of the judicial process. No additional university-hosted events related to the anniversary have been announced.
