FORT COLLINS, Colo. (KDVR) — More than 7,000 people filled Colorado State University’s Canvas Stadium on Thursday evening for a vigil honoring conservative activist Charlie Kirk after he was fatally shot last week.
The vigil was organized by the CSU student chapter of Turning Point USA, whose late CEO and co-founder, Krik, was originally slated to come to campus for the organization’s “The American Comeback Tour” on Thursday.
However, the vigil was planned to honor Kirk, after he was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10.
A panel of speakers with Colorado ties — former gubernatorial candidate Heidi Ganahl, activist Isabel Brown, author Will Witt and minister Andrew Wommack — urged attendees to continue advocating for civic engagement.
“For those of us who know Charlie personally, this week still doesn’t quite feel real,” said Brown. “We’ve lost our friend and brother… but we are humbled and inspired and ready to fight forward.”
More than 7,000 people filled Colorado State University’s Canvas Stadium on Thursday evening for a vigil for conservative activist Charlie Kirk after he was fatally shot last week. (SkyFox) More than 7,000 people filled Colorado State University’s Canvas Stadium on Thursday evening for a vigil for conservative activist Charlie Kirk after he was fatally shot last week. (SkyFox) More than 7,000 people filled Colorado State University’s Canvas Stadium on Thursday evening for a vigil for conservative activist Charlie Kirk after he was fatally shot last week. (SkyFox)
Security was heavy as CSU police coordinated with regional partners and private security. K-9 teams and mounted patrols were visible, and the university implemented stadium screening with a clear-bag policy and metal detectors at entry.
Attendees described the atmosphere as somber but hopeful.
“I think that his death was able to bring a lot of people together,” said Noah, a freshman at CSU.
It wasn’t just CSU students who attended the candlelight vigil, as Kyler Moon from Wellington was in attendance to celebrate the life of someone he called “a role model.”
“Charlie Kirk was a Christian and he demonstrated patience when spreading the gospel to people no matter how hostile people were to him,” Moon said.
Many of those attending were also Fort Collins residents, like Brandon, who says Kirk’s work will last long after his death.
“What happened was obviously sad and very tragic for Charlie and his family and I think even sadder for our country is the threat that they wanted to make for those who advocated for free speech,” Brandon said. “I think Charlie is the biggest advocate for free speech in my lifetime.”
Organizers said the CSU vigil aimed to honor Kirk’s legacy while encouraging peaceful civic participation and dialogue on campus.
Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.
