Vigil for Charlie Kirk held in alleged gunman's Utah hometown draws hundreds of mourners
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Hundreds gathered Sunday night in the Utah hometown of alleged gunman Tyler Robinson to honor Charlie Kirk, mourn with his family, and acknowledge the pain of Robinson’s relatives.

Organizer Jordan Hess told the crowd he was “deeply moved” by their attendance. 

“I’m grateful that everyone felt the desire and the need to be here in the spirit of community tonight,” he said, clearly emotional.

Hess said the event was organized to “celebrate who we are as Americans – and to mourn … We gather today not as Democrats or Republicans, not as left or right, not as different races or believers of different religions but as citizens of the greatest, most enduring experiment of self-government that the world has ever known.”

Charlie Kirk Vigil Washington City, Utah

Attendees listen as speakers call for unity during a vigil in Washington City, Utah, on Sept. 14, 2025. (Fox News Digital)

“It’s better to talk through things as opposed to taking measures into your own hands that harm somebody else,” he said, noting that violence runs against the values America was built on.

A fan of Kirk, Holyoak described him as “an inspiring young person that got it real early.” He admired how Kirk listened to opposing opinions, treated people with respect, and encouraged open conversation.

“I just think we all need to act that way,” he said.

For him, the vigil was about honoring Kirk’s legacy while urging the community – and the country – to return to dialogue over conflict.

Utah Tech University President Shane Smeed told mourners the vigil was a moment for unity and healing. Speaking personally and not in his official role, Smeed called the past week “an incredibly difficult, tragic week” and urged the community to lean on faith instead of fear.

He reflected on the meaning of unity, describing it as harmony and oneness, and used the image of Canadian geese flying in formation to illustrate how individuals support one another — and what happens when one falls behind. True unity, he said, means ensuring no one is left alone. “To be peacemakers, we have to strive to remove contention and hate in our lives,” Smeed said.

He closed with a prayer for peace, reminding the community that healing would come only through choosing dialogue, compassion, and unity.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
'Gen Z' Dem candidate charged with interfering with ICE posted video of herself in mob blocking unmarked SUV

Gen Z Democratic Candidate Faces Charges for Allegedly Obstructing ICE; Video Shows Her in Protest Blocking Unmarked SUV

An Illinois Democratic candidate for Congress, Kat Abughazaleh, recently shared a video…
Floyd Roger Myers Jr. dead at 42: Actor who played young Will Smith on Fresh Prince of Bel-Air suffered heart attack at home

Tragic Loss: ‘Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ Star Passes Away at 42 Following Heart Attack

Floyd Roger Myers Jr., recognized for his role as a young Will…
Kourtney Kardashian leaves family group chat over 'negative' Khloé 'talking s--t'

Kourtney Kardashian Exits Family Group Chat Amid Allegations of Khloé’s Negative Remarks

Kourtney Kardashian has opted out of the family group chat. On the…
Trump starts new nuclear arms race as he orders testing 'immediately'

Trump Initiates New Era in Nuclear Arms as He Calls for Swift Testing

In a bold move that could reshape global military dynamics, former U.S.…
FWC invites public to monitor bird health through updated reporting app

FWC Launches Enhanced Bird Health Tracking App, Invites Public Participation for Conservation Efforts

“Public participation enables us to identify disease outbreaks sooner and gain insights…
Woman hospitalized, man killed in rollover crash on Monument Road: JSO

Rollover Crash on Monument Road Results in Fatality and Hospitalization: JSO Reports

A tragic accident in Jacksonville on Wednesday evening has left one man…
Alabama man accused of violent threats against synagogues ‘had intentions of not being taken alive’: sheriff

Alabama Man’s Violent Synagogue Threats: Sheriff’s Shocking Revelation on Suspect’s ‘No Surrender’ Intentions

Authorities in Alabama have arrested a man following the discovery of alarming…
Police officer reunited with choking driver he helped save

Heroic Reunion: Police Officer Reconnects with Driver He Saved from Choking Disaster

In a touching scene on Tuesday, a Cook County police officer was…