On Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, Florida State University (FSU) students gathered at a vigil to honor Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist who was shot and killed on the campus of Utah Valley University on Sept. 10.
The vigil was hosted at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center by the FSU chapter of the organization Kirk co-founded, Turning Point USA (TPUSA). Student attendees were required to bring their student IDs for security purposes. If non-students wished to attend, they were asked to reach out to TPUSA FSU via social media in advance.
Approximately 200 people came together to honor Kirk’s life. While there was a conservative presence, the crowd focused on Charlie Kirk as a man of Christian faith rather than associating him with his political affiliation.
FSU marketing major Ashleigh Hicks echoed a faith-centered perspective and connected with her religion to find comfort.
“We believe God’s on the move and we think that Charlie was a prime example of that,” Hicks said to the FSView. “In his life, he made such a strong impact and now I think even more so in his death. I think our world is finally waking up, and I pray that we continue not just as a nation, but our whole world to wake up to these things and ultimately give our lives to Christ.”
Leaders of political student organizations, including College Republicans at FSU President Chloe Beaty, were present.
“I think the fact that he was killed for just speaking about what he believes in is really sad, and makes me wonder if people like me, [who] are just on campus trying to speak out [about] what [they] believe in … are [people like me] safe?” Beaty said to the FSView.
For Beaty, Kirk’s assassination not only raised personal concerns about safety when sharing political opinions but also highlighted a threat to free speech.
“I think it [threatens free speech] because he wasn’t even a politician,” Beaty said. “I think it does threaten free speech in a way because all he was doing was promoting free speech; he gave a platform to everybody.”
For many students, Kirk’s death reflects larger problems in America. For others, it opens the door for discussions on whether free speech is safe on college campuses at all.
“As a Christian, I truly believe that all of these problems are because of the sin and brokenness that we have in our world, and that’s because of our separation from the Lord,” public health major Ella Grace Parramore said at the vigil.
All were welcome to attend the vigil, but the space was not open to demonstrations, protests or support of other people or issues, as stated by a sign outside the Civic Center.
“If you are seeking to engage in any of these alternative activities, please seek guidance from University staff or law enforcement to locate the appropriate designated space, which has been established for these purposes,” the sign said.
While no protests occurred at the vigil, the sign also cited Florida laws prohibiting threats or intimidation on college campuses.
Members of the press were asked not to enter the Civic Center during to vigil out of respect for those inside. Tallahassee Police and FSU Police were present to provide additional security.
What united students at the vigil was a shared sense of loss and reflection. Together, they honored Kirk’s personal life and beliefs.
“It is really a great tragedy, but I’m very thankful that he was a man of faith and that he’s been reunited with his Heavenly Father. Now, it’s our job to continue on the work he was doing,” communications and finance major Trevor Waller said to the FSView. “It really, though, is a sad day.”
Anna Bullock is a Staff Writer for the FSView & Florida Flambeau, the independent online news service for the FSU community. Email our staff at contact@fsview.com.
This article originally appeared on FSU News: Turning Point USA FSU Chapter hosts vigil for Charlie Kirk
Reporting by Anna Bullock, Staff Writer / FSU News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
