The assassination of Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, has made national headlines following his unfortunate passing on September 10. Kirk’s memorial service was one of the largest gatherings ever for a private citizen. Reports say between 90,000 and 100,000 people attended the service in Arizona, filling up State Farm Stadium and even spilling into overflow venues. The event was covered across major networks and featured political leaders, including Donald Trump, media figures like Elon Musk, and religious voices. For many, it wasn’t just a memorial but a mix of politics, faith, and public spectacle. Some saw it as a powerful tribute, while others felt it pushed the line into being more of a performance for the media.
While the funeral took place in Arizona, it still connects back to smaller communities like Whitewater. Kirk was killed while speaking at a university event in Utah at Utah Valley University, and that makes the story relevant to UW-Whitewater because it raises questions about safety and security on campuses. Political speakers, especially controversial ones, can draw both lots of supporters but also lots of protestors, and universities have to be ready to handle the risks that come with that. On top of safety, it also brings up how free speech plays out in a divided community. About a week after Charlie Kirk’s death, a very divisive figure named Sister Cindy came to UW-Whitewater. Being a divisive figure, Sister Cindy saw some supporters but also those who don’t align with her beliefs.
The way the memorial was done also highlights how different people view public mourning. Some think a big, loud celebration is the best way to honor a life, while others think it can feel excessive. My friend Joy, who is very faith-driven, told me, “As a very faithful person, this is simply just how funerals are done sometimes. And this was less of a funeral and more of a celebration of the life Charlie lived and what he did for countless people.” She saw it as fitting and even uplifting. My sister Alyssa felt differently: “I understand that is just how people of faith do them sometimes, but at the same time, at points it did seem maybe just a little over the top. I didn’t think that they needed to do WWE-style entrances for each person speaking. But that just comes down to a difference in beliefs.”
Hearing both of these takes shows how something happening on the national stage can echo in local communities. For Whitewater, the story isn’t just about Kirk himself, but about what happens when politics, religion, and public expression collide. It also pushes us to think about how our own campus would handle both the unity and division that come from moments like this.
Links: https://www.foxnews.com/politics/charlie-kirk-honored-90k-one-largest-memorials-private-citizen
https://www.indy100.com/politics/charlie-kirk-funeral-arizona-trump-erika-2674043584
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