Kirk Remembered at CSU Vigil

One week after the assassination of Turning Point USA founder and CEO Charlie Kirk, thousands gathered at Colorado State University for a vigil in his honor.

More than 7,400 people filled CSU’s Canvas Stadium in Fort Collins Thursday night — many wearing red, white, and blue — to remember the 31-year-old conservative leader. Kirk had been scheduled to speak there as part of his American Comeback Tour, but instead, nearly a quarter of the stadium turned out to mourn his death.

A small stage displayed three portraits of Kirk surrounded by flowers. Before the program began, supporters lined Pitkin Street waving flags and chanting “U-S-A.”

Speakers included conservative commentator Will Witt, former Colorado gubernatorial candidate Heidi Ganahl, CSU alum Isabel Brown, and pastor Andrew Wommack. Ganahl called Kirk a “warrior for free speech,” while Brown recalled how Turning Point gave her a community when she was an isolated student.

Pastor Archibald Allison of Fort Collins said many young members of his congregation were devastated, but the vigil gave them a place to grieve together.

Meanwhile, National Ground Game — a progressive group that had debated Kirk on campuses since April — hosted its own discussion Thursday night. Leaders said they respected Kirk’s organizing skills and urged both the left and the right to condemn political violence.

Charlie Kirk leaves behind one of the most visible conservative youth organizations in the country.