Anniversary of Charlie Kirk’s Assassination at Utah Valley University
PROVO, Utah — Utah Valley University will close its campus for a day in remembrance of Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated there a year ago. The university’s new president, Dr. Jon Anderson, has expressed his intentions to maintain a strong stance on free speech within higher education.
Dr. Anderson, who started his tenure just before the fall 2026 semester, was leading Pennsylvania Western University when Kirk was tragically shot on Sept. 10, 2025. His family, with longstanding connections to Utah, was directly affected by the incident. Anderson shared in an interview that his wife called him with the heartbreaking news.
“I had two daughters and a son-in-law, they were about 10 yards from the assassination when it happened,” Anderson recounted. “Our future became intertwined with that event.”
Reflecting on his decision to return to Utah, Anderson explained his drive to help the community heal. He emphasized the resilience of the university and its community.
“I wanted to be here to help in any way that I could,” he stated. “This institution is resilient, its people gritty, ready to move forward, and eager to learn from everything we can learn from that day.”
The healing process has varied across the campus community. Anderson highlighted the importance of empathy as everyone navigates their personal healing journey.
While the school will not host an official commemorative event, Turning Point USA will hold a memorial on campus.
“We want people to have their own space to heal,” Anderson noted. “TPUSA is holding their event here, and we are supportive.”
The memorial will take place at the UCCU Center at 6:30 p.m. MT on Sept. 10. Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing regarding a permanent memorial, involving both board members and students in the process.
On the subject of free speech, Anderson reiterated the university’s commitment to providing a platform for diverse viewpoints, ensuring that the institution remains a space for civil discourse.
“We allow people to come in and focus on civil dialogue,” he said. “A place that anyone can come with any idea, for open, honest, violence-free debate.”
Regarding the investigation, Tyler Robinson, Kirk’s alleged assassin, pleaded not guilty to charges during his arraignment on Sept. 1. His trial, where he may face the death penalty for aggravated murder, is pending a court date set for Oct. 23.