Turning Point USA at LSU hosted a memorial vigil on Friday for Charlie Kirk, the national organization’s founder, after his assassination on Wednesday. The night included prominent guest speakers, including Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry and Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and LSU alumnus Mike Johnson.
As students, faculty, alumni and other visitors from the Baton Rouge area filed into the LSU Student Union Theater, many carried with them sadness, anger and concern with the political atmosphere that had taken root in the country since Kirk’s assassination.
Lots of attendees donned red MAGA hats, t-shirts with phrases like “Jesus loves you” and suits. But all wore the same expression of sadness over the loss of a prominent figure.
The night opened with a prayer by State Sen. Rick Edmonds who spoke of Charlie’s dedication to his faith and his country. He reminded the audience that “hate never prevails,” referring to the violence that led to Kirk’s death.
Edmonds introduced Savannah Harrison, Chairwoman of the Greater Baton Rouge Young Republicans and former president of Turning Point at LSU, to speak about Kirk’s impact on her life.
“Upon my graduation and through Charlie’s leadership, I met lifelong friends, had conversations that broadened my understanding and built relationships that continue to fill my life with joy,” Harrison said while tears streamed down her face.
Harrison concluded her speech with what she said she knew Kirk would have wanted young people across America to know.
“Do not be afraid to speak up for your values because they are important,” Harrison said. “We shall not fear or cower to the evil ways of this world.”
Harrison then welcomed Landry to the stage with a warm hug. Landry spoke of Kirk’s fierce passion for his faith and America, specifically the freedoms that American citizens have. Landry said Kirk understood the power that collective action can have if enough people advocate for the truth and if individuals are willing to take a stand.
“Charlie knew exactly where he was,” Landry said. “He was in a place Wednesday doing what he believed and securing a future not only for those present today, but for generations to come. Wednesday, Charlie was on that stage believing that he was securing a future for his children.”
Landry said that Kirk’s faith was his greatest source of strength.
“His faith in his country, he believed, secured freedom for his family and yours,” Landry said.
Landry said that moving forward would be the hard part for conservatives.
“It’s up to us to deliver that for him and to carry on the flame that he lit in each and every one of those he touched,” Landry said.
As Landry concluded his speech, he welcomed Johnson to the stage for words of encouragement and inspiration to the crowd. Johnson said Kirk’s principles and ideas will live on through the mission of Turning Point.
“Charlie Kirk contributed more positive contributions to the free marketplace of ideas than anyone in his generation,” Johnson said. “He knew that if people don’t understand the source of their freedom, it can easily be taken away.”
Johnson talked about Kirk’s debate tactics that he was most known for. He said that, for Kirk, it wasn’t about the debate, it was about the person.
“Charlie Kirk loved debates and was the best at it,” Johnson said. “ But you know what he loved more than the debate? The person on the other side of the table. He was never motivated by hate, it was exactly the opposite.”
Johnson concluded his talk by calling for a turning point in our nation towards good principles and morals.
After Johnson’s speech concluded, a memorial video showcasing highlights of Kirk’s political career played on stage.
Luke Arabie, a senior history and political science major at LSU, spoke briefly about Kirk’s legacy and how it will continue to live on through the countless lives he touched.
“The life that Charlie Kirk led will live on as long as there are people who champion America and its values,” Arabie said. “The mission that he dedicated his life to will not stop now that he has gone to be with the Lord.”
Closing Kirk’s memorial, Landry sent attendees off with words of encouragement.
“I want you to promise me that when you wake up, you are going to stand for the virtues that make America great,” Landry said. “Because tomorrow is going to be your turning point.”
Kirk was shot by a sniper while speaking at Utah Valley University. Kirk’s suspected killer, Tyler Robinson, is reportedly in custody.
Kirk was set to speak at LSU on Oct. 27.
