OREM, Utah – A growing makeshift memorial outside Timpanogos Regional Hospital signifies the community’s grief over the passing of activist Charlie Kirk. American flags, candles, flowers and signs mark the spot where Kirk was taken and later pronounced dead.
Nearly 200 people gathered for a vigil and prayer circle on Wednesday, expressing their wish to support Kirk and his family. Similar scenes unfolded at Liberty University in Virginia, where students held a prayer vigil on campus.
In Utah, hundreds attended a vigil at the state capitol. Some attendees were witnesses to the shooting at the university campus. Jonathan Sims, who attended the vigil for Kirk, shared his motivation for being there.
“A sense of duty, a sense of respect, a sense of representing that I am willing to stand by the things that I believe no matter what the circumstances are,” Sims said. “In the aftermath of trying to run away part of me honestly wondered I felt like I should walk towards to it so he was not the only one.”
The rotunda was filled with flags, pictures and tears as lawmakers, students and residents shared their love for Kirk. The night ended with a prayer, a moment of silence, patriotic songs and chants.
In Phoenix, new video shows Kirk’s casket being unloaded from Air Force Two. The casket was brought there by Vice President JD Vance, who flew with Kirk’s family and loved ones. President Trump announced he will attend the funeral, which may take place in Phoenix.
During a news conference held on Thursday, investigators revealed some initial progress. Utah Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason provided insights into Kirk’s movements.
“We have tracked his movements onto the campus, through the stairwells up to the roof, across the roof to a shooting location,” said Mason.
