Indiana University’s Turning Point USA chapter will host a vigil Sunday in the Indiana Memorial Union’s Alumni Hall to honor Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist killed Wednesday while speaking at Utah Valley University.
The chapter, among other political organizations at IU, decried political violence in statements after Kirk’s death was confirmed.
Kirk was assassinated on the first stop of his “American Comeback Tour,” which had been scheduled to make a stop at IU Bloomington on Oct. 21, hosted by the IU Turning Point USA chapter. In a statement posted on Instagram Thursday, Turning Point USA at IU honored Kirk’s legacy and condemned political violence.
“We are more committed than ever to continuing the work Charlie began: fighting for our constitutional rights, limited government, and political discourse,” the statement said.
The vigil is planned for 8 p.m. Sunday at the IMU, according to an IU Public Safety spokesperson. Turning Point USA at IU originally planned for it to be in Dunn Meadow, WTHR first reported.
The IU College Republicans issued a statement on Instagram expressing their grief over Kirk’s assassination.
“We extend our deepest prayers and support to his family, friends, colleagues, and all who were impacted by this senseless act of violence,” the organization wrote.
The killing also prompted a response from the College Democrats at IU, who issued a statement expressing their condolences.
“The College Democrats at Indiana University send our sincerest condolences to Charlie Kirk’s family and the students of Utah Valley University,” the group wrote. “Political violence of any kind is a tragedy, and we strongly condemn it.”
IU Auditorium is scheduled to host former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg on Sept. 18 for its “Speaking of Excellence” lecture series.
In response to an Indiana Daily Student inquiry on increased safety measures at the event, an IU Public Safety spokesperson declined to comment on specific security information.
“Indiana University works across all campuses to ensure all events have robust security protocols and are appropriately staffed,” the spokesperson wrote. “We encourage anyone who sees suspicious behavior to report it online or by calling 911.”
UPDATE: This story was updated with the new location of the Charlie Kirk vigil.
