Utah Valley University announced that it will host a “Vigil for Unity” on Sept. 19 at the school’s indoor arena, the UCCU Center. Kirk was assassinated during a Turning Point USA event on the campus …
The university where conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot in Utah is set to hold a vigil on its campus, school officials confirmed.
Utah Valley University announced that it will host a “Vigil for Unity” on Sept. 19 at the school’s indoor arena, the UCCU Center. Kirk was assassinated during a Turning Point USA event on the campus in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 10.
“This attack was not just on an individual, but on the spirit of free expression, civil discourse, and intellectual inquiry that sits at the very foundation of our university,” Utah Valley University President Astrid S. Tuminez said in a released statement. “Together we choose hope for the future, and care for each other during this time.”
The event listing states that the vigil will “provide a space for students, faculty, staff, and community members to come together in remembering, healing, and reaffirming shared values.”
The event, open to the public, is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. MT, with doors opening at 2:30 p.m. MT. A video livestream will be available for those unable to attend the vigil, the school said.
Utah Valley Vigil comes ahead of Phoenix Memorial
The vigil comes ahead of a major memorial planned for Kirk at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Sept. 21. President Donald Trump, high-ranking Trump administration officials, and other conservative figures are scheduled to speak at the event.
Since Kirk’s assassination, the country has seen a string of tributes and fallout, including dozens who were fired or suspended over comments they made about the conservative personality.
Classes resumed at Utah Valley University
The university began a phased return of faculty and students this week, first reopening campus to employees before resuming student services on Sept. 16. Classes restarted on Sept. 17.
“This is a defining moment for us all,” Tuminez said ahead of the phased return. “May we not let hatred overshadow the goodness of our UVU community and what we stand for.”
Source: Utah News