Hundreds of people gathered on the south lawn of the Missouri State Capitol on Wednesday night for a vigil honoring conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The event was organized by a staffer from Turning Point USA, the media brand Kirk co-founded.
Speakers and Tributes
The vigil featured several speakers, including a minister from Jefferson City, representatives from Turning Point USA at the University of Missouri, and a member affiliated with Mizzou College Republicans. Each reflected on Kirk’s legacy and the impact he made among young conservatives nationwide.
One Week After Assassination
The vigil took place one week after Kirk’s assassination on September 10 at Utah Valley University, where he was shot during an event. Kirk, who was 31 years old, co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012 and became a prominent figure on college campuses.
Legacy and Messaging
Known for his fiery exchanges during campus Q&A sessions, Kirk frequently traveled to universities across the country. His messaging often targeted young audiences, aiming to inspire them through political activism and conservative values.
Community Reflections
Among the attendees was 21-year-old Jace Duemmel, who came with friends to honor Kirk. Duemmel highlighted the importance of hosting the vigil in central Missouri, noting that while not everyone initially knew of Kirk, his message spread widely through platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
“Not everyone knew about him… but just to hear his message in central Missouri I feel like is very inspiring,” Duemmel said, reflecting on Kirk’s growing influence.
