October 15, 2025
The Utah State Capitol Rotunda was filled with emotion and reflection on Tuesday as hundreds of students, local leaders, and lawmakers gathered to honor Charlie Kirk, the late founder of Turning Point USA, on what would have been his 32nd birthday.
The event, organized by Brigham Young University’s Turning Point USA chapter, commemorated the life and impact of the conservative activist, who was assassinated last month while addressing students at Utah Valley University.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox officially declared October 14 “Charlie Kirk Day”, paying tribute to a man he said embodied “principled dialogue and respect, even amid deep differences.”
“We remember Charlie Kirk — who showed that courage, conversation, and conviction strengthen our democracy,” Cox wrote on social media.
National Honors and a Lasting Legacy
Earlier the same day, President Donald Trump posthumously awarded Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United States’ highest civilian honor.
Student speakers from across Utah described Kirk as a powerful voice for faith, family, and freedom, whose message continues to inspire a new generation of young conservatives.
“He will go down in history as a true American hero,” said Nathan Neuhaus, outreach coordinator for the BYU chapter. “The way he inspired people to defend the Constitution and the liberties we cherish is truly unmatched.”
BYU chapter president Aubree Hudson echoed that sentiment, calling Kirk’s death “a tragedy that strengthened a movement.”
“A man who lived just 31 years but changed so many lives deserves this and more,” Hudson said. “His life was taken too soon — but his message will live forever.”
Turning Tragedy into a Movement
Kirk’s assassination has galvanized student political involvement across Utah. The BYU Turning Point USA chapter has seen a surge in new members, with hundreds expressing interest in joining since the tragedy.
“When I couldn’t meet him in person that day, I decided I would honor him through action,” said Jaxon Thurman, the group’s vice president, who was at UVU when Kirk was shot. “We’re working to make this the biggest chapter in the nation.”
At the Capitol, attendees wore white shirts reading “Freedom” — the same word printed on the shirt Kirk wore when he was killed.
Utah Rep. Mike Kennedy, R-Utah, encouraged students to carry Kirk’s message forward.
“Hold up your shirts and remember what he stood for — freedom, family, and faith,” Kennedy said. “I wish I had a mentor like Charlie when I was young.”
Calls for Faith, Family, and Courage
Several speakers at the event emphasized Kirk’s call for a return to Christian and constitutional values, warning against what they described as a growing cultural drift from America’s founding principles.
“The strength of America has never started in Washington, D.C.,” said Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz, R-Hooper. “It starts here — in homes, in faith, and in freedom. That’s what Turning Point truly represents.”
Echoing those sentiments, Hudson told the crowd that “truth is under attack” and that standing up for faith now requires “real courage.”
“He believed in us. He fought for us. And now, it’s our turn,” she said to thunderous applause.
A New Generation Rising
Utah Attorney General Derek Brown called Kirk’s death “heartbreaking,” but noted that it has ignited a “silver lining” — a wave of renewed political engagement among young people.
From the podium to the rotunda floor, the mood was one of resolve. Students pledged to continue Kirk’s mission — promoting civic involvement, defending individual rights, and preserving America’s founding ideals.
As the crowd sang and prayed, one message was clear: Charlie Kirk’s legacy is not over — it’s only just beginning.
