Social media platforms such as Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube enable users to share their political beliefs, whether moderate or extreme, with millions of people worldwide. American right-wing political activist and media personality Charlie Kirk was infamous for his ultra-conservative ideals, which he displayed on his podcast, The Charlie Kirk Show, and his non-profit, Turning Point USA (TPUSA).
Founded in 2012, TPUSA works to support conservatism on high school and university campuses, in businesses, and online. As stated on the official website, Turning Point USA’s mission is to “organize students to promote the principles of fiscal responsibility, free markets, and limited government.”
On September 10, 2025, he was assassinated at an event at Utah Valley University. The alleged shooter is 22-year-old Tyler Robinson. The following day, accompanied by his parents, Robinson willingly turned himself in. He is charged with murder and is currently awaiting trial in Utah. Since then, various vigils and tribute services have been held across the country to celebrate the life and legacy of Kirk. One such event was hosted by the Young Americans for Liberty and Young Americans for Freedom organizations at Kennesaw State University as a tribute to Kirk’s 32nd birthday on October 14.
Many Kennesaw State University (KSU) students expressed dissatisfaction with the memorial being held on campus grounds. The event took place at the Austin Residence Complex (ARC) Amphitheater, which is located just steps away from student housing. A KSU Freshman who wished to remain anonymous said this about the gathering, “For this to be approved … what does that say about our dean? This is no longer a predominantly white school; obviously, we’ve both seen it. So y’all allowing this to happen today … in the middle of this housing area … with all of these people of color you know are here; how do y’all feel about us?”
Kirk’s execution ignited an ongoing conversation about political violence. Republican and Democrat lawmakers agreed that he shouldn’t have been killed for his political views. Still, the brutality that spurs from the growing polarization of politics has become standard in American diplomacy. Many have argued that the United States’ president has instigated aggressive rhetoric towards the opposing side.
In an interview with Fox and Friends on September 12, Trump stated, “The radicals on the left are the problem. They’re vicious, and they’re horrible.”
When asked about his thoughts on violent threats from the perspective of a politician, 19-year-old KSU student Dariq Chamblian said, “I love the whole idea of public speaking and stuff … [but] there’s no way you can combat that and that’s just something you’re going to have to take the risk of.”
Many deem Kirk’s beliefs divisive and hostile, outwardly denouncing his messages. KSU student Corey Mack, 21, who attended the memorial, held up a speaker, loudly blaring siren noises during a speech given by Georgia Senator Robert Strickland. Though Mack’s protest disrupted the crowd, Strickland continued to speak. Mack was eventually escorted off the premises by police and complied peacefully.
When I asked why he did what he did, Mack stated, “I just disagreed with Charlie Kirk’s viewpoints. I believe they were hateful to people who look like myself.”
In another act of protest, an unidentified bystander approached the stage and splattered what seemed to be ketchup onto a flag of Charlie Kirk, displayed on the side of the stage. This action caused an uproar from the crowd, with the former president of KSU’s chapter of Turning Point USA and KSU student, Jada Gray, getting up to confront the woman. A slight physical altercation ensued, with groups gathered to hold each of them back.
Luca Compiani, 18, was another Kennesaw State student who opposed Kirk’s memorial. Throughout the evening, he paced the venue with a small whiteboard that at times read, “Y’all still mad about losing the Civil War? #Shermanwasright” or “Where is this crowd after a school shooting?”
Later in the evening, Compiani was arrested by campus police for “‘intentionally (causing) physical harm’ to KSU Police Capt. Timothy Murphy by bumping into him ‘in an insulting or provoking manner,’” according to the Marietta Daily Journal. As several officers put him in handcuffs, onlookers booed loudly and shouted, “Free Luca.” Compiani was released on a $1,870 bond the next morning from Cobb County Jail. On his Instagram story, Compiani wrote to the public, “I cannot talk about it, but I am bailed out and safe, thank you everyone for the concern.”
“When Charlie Kirk died, that was something that hit me. It hit me hard. And ever since the death, I’ve been pretty much trying to promote him more,” said Jada Gray.
By the time Gray took the stage at the memorial, a large crowd of students and onlookers who condemned Kirk had formed in the amphitheater. During her speech, the crowd was extremely vocal, shouting insults, laughing loudly, and criticizing her words. She condemned those who joked about Kirk’s death, claiming that it was evil.
“I was blind until somebody told me ‘Hey, you’re blind’, so that’s why I’m trying to spread a message, no matter who hates me for it,” she confidently stated, referring to identifying as a Black Conservative.
Since his death, Kirk has been posthumously awarded the US Presidential Medal of Freedom by Donald Trump, who seems to be fond of the activist, calling Kirk a “fearless warrior for liberty,” and a “beloved leader who galvanized the next generation.”
“While I wasn’t a fan of the man himself, I do agree with the emphasis of freedom of expression. I do agree with the need for civil debate. Otherwise, we end up getting the violence and the partisanship we have come to see over the last few months,” said a KSU student, 29, who wished to remain anonymous.
He was a former conservative and Turning Point USA member, but revealed that he eventually became “disenchanted” with conservative ideals. He concluded, “Never forget that the foundation of this country is the free and open exchange of ideas.”
