After the killing of political commentator and media personality Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, UCCS’ chapter of Turning Point USA (TPUSA) hosted a candlelight vigil outside of the El Pomar library.
The event took place on Tuesday, Sept. 16, drawing a crowd of over 200 people primarily from the greater Colorado Springs area. Speakers included the UCCS TPUSA chapter president Stefan Hoffman and Nickolas Razo, a member of the first TPUSA chapter and a friend of Kirk.
“Tonight’s a night of mourning, prayer and remembrance…not protest,” Hoffman said. “He impacted millions; whether you love him or hate him, you cannot deny that.”
Hoffman led the crowd in prayer and introduced Razo, longtime supporter of TPUSA and founder of “The Hispanic Patriot” podcast.
In his address to the crowd, Razo discussed the origins of TPUSA and his relationship with Kirk, which began at Wheeling High School in Illinois. “Charlie and his compatriots, myself included, wanted to bring objectivity and real education back to our schools. We felt ripped off, disempowered, so we empowered ourselves.” Razo said.
Kirk founded TPUSA in 2012 before enrolling at Harper College in Illinois.
“Harper College is a community school, which we attended together for a year before we realized that higher education is a scam—most higher education—we love our people here at UCCS.” Razo said.
The event featured a “Letters to Erika” table, meant for attendees to express their condolences to Kirk’s wife and two children. Also included was a merchandise table, selling pocket U.S. Constitutions, TPUSA pins and memorabilia. Attendees waved American flags and wore various pieces of TPUSA and MAGA merchandise.
According to multiple attendees, the event was about connection founded through faith. Multiple crowd members told The Scribe that they heard about the event through their churches and other religious organizations. “I realized this isn’t just a political commentator, this is a brother in Christ,” an attendee said of Kirk.
Hoffman and Razo led the crowd through multiple prayers and “Amazing Grace,” emphasizing Kirk’s personal faith and the mission of TPUSA.
“We will become the most vigilant, most empowered, most courageous, most morally righteous generation that America has ever seen,” Razo said, “now let us go forth and make disciples for our nation.”
According to PBS News, acts of political violence like Kirk’s shooting are a part of a broader national narrative about increasing polarization. “Campuses are becoming more and more contentious spaces.” University of Massachusetts Lowell scholar Arie Perliger told PBS News.
Hoffman said that political polarization on college campuses has been an issue since long before Kirk’s death. “I think colleges need to do a better job at respectfully bringing students together from across the political aisle to have civil discussion. Political violence is never acceptable.” he said.
“I think there needs to be more open political dialogue, and more civil political dialogue,” Hoffman said in a personal statement to The Scribe over email. “I think a negative and hostile attitude to politics in general is very prevalent on college campuses.” he said.
Going forward, Hoffman said he hopes to see political attitudes on campus and on social media change to allow for safer political discussion. “The social media atmosphere, especially on platforms like the UCCS snapchat, can be very hostile politically. Social media has made people aggressive and dehumanizing towards their fellow students… prioritize in-person discussion.”
Hoffman said that the goal of the event was to bring people together in a time of grief. “I can’t speak for TPUSA national, but our chapter just wanted to offer a space and time for students of UCCS and members of the community to grieve and share their thoughts. This death has hit many hard.” he said.
On Sept. 18, Congress designated Oct. 14 as the “National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk.” Oct. 14 marks Kirk’s birthday.
The vigil was a collaboration between UCCS’ Turning Point USA and Student Life.
Hoffman addressing the crowd, Photo by Joseph Impellitteri