MUNCIE, Ind. — Charlie Kirk was touring across college campuses when he was killed. His final stop at Utah Valley University was one of several stops on his American Comeback Tour.
Kirk, founder of the conservative youth activist organization Turning Point USA, stopped at Purdue back in April and was set to appear at Indiana University next month.
At Ball State, students and community members alike came together to honor Kirk, a figure who spent so much of his time rallying young minds.
”I’m a very hard believer and it was just so sad to see such an amazing life that could’ve impacted so many more just taken like that,” Ball State alumna Lacey Eaton said.
Illuminate Ministries gave people a chance to pray for Kirk and his family on Thursday. Leadership said it was one of several Pray for Muncie events they’ve hosted.
“The church needed to stand up and pray for those on all sides that are hurting that are confused,” Pastor Riley Martin said.
People clutched unfamiliar hands in a circle. Joined together by prayer, tears streamed down several faces.
”As a former college student on a college campus, I think what better way to honor him than to pray where he lived his life, on college campuses,” community member Addie Davis said.
While Thursday was more religious than political, Kirk’s right-wing beliefs tainted the event for some.
”I definitely think we can mourn for his kids and his wife, but personally, as someone who his words and his actions hurt, I am not going to be mourning him,” Ball State sophomore Oliver Brown said.
Kirk’s anti-abortion, pro-gun rights and continuous slew of conservative beliefs sparked passionate, sometimes heated debates across the country. All of that aside, those at Ball State on Thursday agreed his death is a tragedy for his family.
“As much as I didn’t agree with it, obviously it’s upsetting,” Ball State junior Caylin Yoder said.
Kirk supporters in Muncie acknowledged the empathy shown by their left-leaning counterparts. They all agreed there’s no place for disrespect, as so many are mourning the death.
“Nobody should be cheering, nobody should be celebrating the death of someone, especially someone that tried to resonate with the youth so much,” Eaton said.
Kirk’s presence is now replaced by unanswered questions as agencies continue searching for his killer.
“He was a father, he was a husband and it’s burdened me,” Martin said. “It’s burdened me more than I realized it would.”
Martin and others at the prayer vigil said prayer is their only hope for closure.
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