Following the death of political activist and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, ETSU’s Turning Point USA chapter held a candlelight vigil in his honor on Monday, Sept. 16.
The event took place at the outdoor amphitheater on campus, drawing students, faculty and local community members who came to mourn and reflect. Kirk was killed Sept. 10 while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University, leaving behind millions of followers and a national legacy of political advocacy.
East Tennessean reporter Brian Disoso attended the vigil and shared the following:
“At the Charlie Kirk vigil held at ETSU, Pastor Phillip Shemwell of The Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Johnson City delivered remarks to a large crowd gathered in the university’s amphitheater. Standing at the podium adorned with a sign reading ‘Pray for the Kirk Family,’ Shemwell addressed attendees with a message of faith and solidarity. The event drew a diverse mix of community members, students and faculty, including ETSU President Brian Noland, who filled the hillside and the steps, many standing shoulder-to-shoulder in reverent attention. The setting of white columns and the backdrop of the campus reflected the solemn and communal spirit of the vigil as hundreds came together to listen, pray, and show support.”
Kirk, 31, was best known for founding Turning Point USA in 2012 when he was 18 years old. He quickly gained popularity for his debate-based events held on college campuses.
Kirk’s death has sparked grief and controversy within the ETSU community. In the week following his death, two ETSU professors, Andrew Herrman and Russ Brown, were placed on administrative leave due to polarizing social media comments they made related to Kirk’s death.
The incident has ignited a broader conversation on campus about the limits of freedom of speech and professionalism in the digital age. While ETSU has a code of conduct, it does not have a social media policy for faculty and staff. Their suspensions will take time to review, according to the university.
Representatives from ETSU’s Turning Point USA chapter were unavailable for comment.
