Students who witnessed Kirk’s presence at UT in March express horror, concern
Right-wing activist Charlie Kirk is dead at 31.
While speaking at Utah Valley University at about 12:20 p.m. Sept. 10, a single bullet ripped through his neck.
Kirk visited UT’s Knoxville campus in March on his American Comeback Tour, drawing a large crowd to the HSS amphitheater and sparking political debate from students.
William Maher, a sophomore electrical engineering major who spoke with Kirk in March, said his reaction to the news “was horror. I couldn’t believe this man I had just talked to was a victim of something like that. … I don’t believe anyone should be subjected to a death like that. It’s a tragedy.”
Kirk founded Turning Point USA in 2012, a nonprofit organization aimed toward America’s youth. According to their website, Turning Point USA’s mission is to identify, educate, train and organize students to promote the principles of fiscal responsibility, free markets and limited government.
UT Knoxville has its own Turning Point USA chapter which hosts speakers on campus, including bringing Kirk in March. According to a member of the chapter, its event scheduled for Sept.10 has been canceled due to security concerns. In a GroupMe message to members, chapter president Emma Arns requested prayers for Kirk and his family.
Students expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding Kirk’s murder.
Students in the HSS Ampitheater to watch conservative activist Charlie Kirk. March 13, 2025.
“No matter who it is that’s speaking, whatever they’re believing, we should have the freedom to speak, you know, on what we think is important,” Logan Graff, a third-year civil engineering student, said. “This could have happened here, when he was here.”
Influencer Kirk was known for his open-air political debates on a range of political issues. He is survived by his wife Erika Kirk and two children.
Suspect 22 year-old Tyler Robinson was taken into custody late Thursday, Sept. 11. In a press conference held Friday, Sept 12, FBI Director Kash Patel credited the partnership between federal and local authorities and thousands of public tips for the conclusion to the 33-hour manhunt.
According to investigators, Robinson made statements to family members that indicated he was responsible for Kirk’s killing. Ultimately, Robinson’s father contacted their pastor. The pastor, who was also a court security officer, contacted U.S. Marshals, placing Utah native Robinson in custody by 10 p.m.
“There’s a lot of tension in the country right now politically, socially, culturally — and I don’t think this will make anything better,” Maher said. “Thoughts and prayers to his family, because he has two very young children. I’ve seen the video, it was horrific. I hope they can find some peace.”
