The fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during a event at Utah Valley University has left students and supporters reeling, sparking vigils and debate in North Florida.
The assassination was captured on graphic video during the Sept. 10 campus event, spreading across the internet almost immediately.
In the days since, supporters nationwide have held vigils in his honor. Others have offered mixed reactions, saying it is difficult to feel sympathy because they did not share his views.
On Sept. 14, supporters gathered at St. Johns County’s Veterans Park to pay their respects, pray and share memories.
Cindy Stewart, a participant, said she was “shocked, heartbroken and devastated” when she learned of Kirk’s death. A longtime follower of his activism, she described the 31-year-old as “an eloquent, brilliant young man. It’s unusual for someone so young to be so wise.”
She said she was encouraged by the number of young people at the vigil, many of whom had known Kirk personally.
Laura Hernandez, who attended with her husband Jim, agreed. The diversity of ages was “heartwarming,” she said, noting that seniors, parents, students and even children were present.
The vigil was organized by local chapters of Kirk’s conservative youth group, Turning Point USA, with representatives from the University of North Florida, Jacksonville University, St. Augustine High School and Creekside High School.
For some, the attack raised broader concerns about campus safety and free speech. “I think there could be fear of people wanting to come out and speak,” said attendee Bonnie Zirpoli.
“If this is how we handle disagreements in our country, we are in trouble,” Jim Hernandez added.
Tom Cashman, a 2023 University of North Florida graduate, called colleges “very politically active areas … and also a very soft target.”
Joshua Bennett, a recent Florida State College at Jacksonville graduate, said “heightened measures are necessary, at least in a time as dynamic as now.”
UNF officials told The Citizen the school continuously reviews its emergency procedures. “The safety and security of our campus community and visitors is always a top priority,” said Amanda Ennis, assistant director of media relations.
Some students spoke about the cultural division fueling unrest. Destiny, a UNF student, said she often disagreed with Kirk but still found the violence tragic: “Just being a human being … it’s sad because he had a family.”
Emily, a UNF freshman, said the loss was devastating: “At the end of the day … he was a father and a husband with two little kids as well.”
Another UNF student, Sophie, said the assassination makes her fear sharing political views. “Everything’s become so polarized and radicalized … it kind of makes me worry for my safety,” she said.
The Citizen reached out to UNF’s Turning Point chapter, which declined to comment.
Jacksonville University’s chapter, which helped plan the vigil, said more than 2,000 people attended.
Emily summed up the mood: “At the end of the day, a life was lost.”
