Boise State’s Turning Point USA (TPUSA) chapter held a vigil on Thursday, Sept. 11, to honor political commentator Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed during an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.
Kirk was the founder of TPUSA, a national, non-profit organization for high school and college students who align with the conservative party.
He previously visited Boise State during his America Comeback Tour in April 2025, where he drew an energetic audience to watch him debate students and community members on a variety of topics at the Intramural Field.
A somber crowd of students and community members gathered at the B Plaza at 6 p.m. The Boise Police Department and Campus Security had a strong presence surrounding the event.
Against the B, TPUSA members set up flowers and signs with messages commemorating Kirk.
Vice President Maggie Tell began the meeting with prayer and thanked everyone for attending. She asked that everyone remain focused on the vigil and ignore any potential protesters that might present themselves.
After a few minutes of speaking, TPUSA members allocated time for participants to discuss their emotions leading up to the vigil as Christian music played softly in the background. The crowd formed into smaller groups as students conversed, and TPUSA members walked around greeting participants.
Students who attended the event discussed the impact that Kirk had on their lives, religious beliefs and political ideologies.
“He opened my eyes to something new that I never knew about,” said student Kendal Werst, noting that Kirk led her to form Christian beliefs. “I think it’s really important for people to know that he made such an impact on people’s lives in many ways.”
Another student, Lola Sam, recalled discovering Kirk when she was younger, and believes he helped her find her “political voice”.
“What happened is devastating, and as a country, we should all unite together so that this kind of violence should end,” Sam said.
Participants also said they believe Kirk will be remembered for his personal life, which he shared online throughout his career.
“We need to take a moment to remember him as a father, and that he was a dad and had two beautiful daughters,” said student Hannah Hawkins.
As the vigil came to a close, Tell encouraged participants to get involved in their communities through local government and voting.
“Do it without violence, do it with kindness in your heart,” Tell said.
