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Rylan Renteria

The assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk during the first stop of his “American Comeback” tour at Utah Valley University sparked a wave of reactions throughout the nation, from grief to celebration. Kirk was known for his combative, open-debate events hosted at universities across the country. His controversial rhetoric both attracted and deterred young audiences everywhere. 

On Monday, Sept. 15, TPUSA at UT San Antonio held a vigil in the Sombrilla Plaza on UT San Antonio’s Main Campus. Hundreds of supporters flooded the Sombrilla to mourn the slain political figure. 

“The turnout here was invaluable,” TPUSA at UT San Antonio Chapter President Jack Harrell said following the event. “As Charlie always said, ‘When people stop talking, that’s when violence starts.’ I think tonight we’ve seen more than enough people still want to talk.” 

The vigil began with a prayer, concluding with an “Amen,” and the crowd chanting in unison, “I am Charlie Kirk.”

Harrell began his introduction to the crowd by detailing how Kirk impacted his journey to becoming chapter president. He consoled the crowd, stating, “Tonight is not about hiding our emotions. Tonight is about facing them and finding the strength to carry them forward.” 

Around 12 minutes into the event, popular YouTuber Brandon Herrera had his turn on the microphone, and boos rang out from the upper deck of the Sombrilla. The response was a deafening “USA” chant that lasted until the boos dissipated. 

Another interruption occurred seven minutes later. This time, a “Free Palestine” chant broke out; it was silenced by a “USA” chant as well. 

“We have some crowds that are being a little rowdy tonight, but we’re tuning them out, so let’s keep this going,” Harrell exclaimed.

Spectators varied from UT San Antonio students, non-student young adults and middle-aged adults. This range of attendees provided a multitude of perspectives. 

“I was devastated that so many Americans were celebrating, but I also am amazed at how many Americans are coming together. I am so excited that this movement is getting so much bigger and that it’s really lit a fire for this generation. I think it’s amazing,” freshman multidisciplinary studies to nursing major Ashley Black said in a reaction to how Kirk’s death was received. 

UT San Antonio, existing as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, saw a large turnout despite dialogue surrounding Kirk suggesting that he held racist beliefs. Attendee Josiah St. Pierre says those beliefs about Kirk are misattributed. 

“Anyone that says Charlie Kirk is a racist, sexist or a misogynist are all leftists trying to spread their ideologies,” St. Pierre explained. “At the end of the day, they don’t have anything to offer, and all they do is spread lies, and they want to keep spreading lies to prevent people from learning the truth. 

“They have mental problems. They are demonic. They are possessed in my opinion. They are just trying to bring people away from Jesus. [Kirk] was just a good man of God trying to bring people to Jesus. Hopefully, lots of people come to Jesus so that we can all see Charlie in heaven one day.” 

The vigil concluded with a rosary for Kirk and Harrell’s final statement, directed at UT San Antonio students. Harrell encouraged them to explore their emotions regarding Kirk’s passion and participate in conversations with members of TPUSA at UT San Antonio.

“I will double down on my prior statement of Charlie’s that when you stop talking, that’s when violence starts. If you feel in any way moved by Charlie’s passing, please come and talk with us. We’re welcoming anyone. We’d love to have you. God bless.”