Utah System of Higher Education

Classes at Utah Valley University were canceled in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Students arrived on Sept. 17 at a solemn campus, one with more security.

Pro-Life Utah executive director Deanna Holland was separated from her 12-year-old son when the single shot that killed Charlie Kirk was fired. But he found help — in what some might consider an unlikely place.

Utah State University in Logan was on Charlie Kirk’s itinerary after he started his tour at Utah Valley University. Here’s what students had to say about Gov. Spencer Cox’s call to rein in political violence.

Cox spoke Friday at a news conference announcing the arrest of the suspect in Charlie Kirk's assassination. Cox said this is a moment to make a choice: escalate or "find an off-ramp.”

Robinson was turned in by family members who reached out to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Gov. Cox thanked the family “who did the right thing in this case,” he said.

“I think there's going to be a lot of soul searching on the part of people in politics in Utah, community leaders and campus leaders,” said Utah State political scientist Damon Cann.

Even though the Orem campus of Utah Valley University is closed, some students still gathered the day after political influencer Charlie Kirk was shot and killed to grieve and pay their respects.

As the manhunt continues, state officials and law enforcement are asking for help from the public in identifying the suspect.

“We ask the public to be patient with the investigative process,” said Beau Mason, commissioner of the Utah Department of Public Safety.

Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was arguably the most influential voice in young conservatism, and played a pivotal role in President Trump's return to the White House.

“It's a tragic day for our nation,” Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said. “I want to be very clear that this is a political assassination.”

There was one dissenting vote on the recommendation from the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee. The higher ed budget reinvestments were mandated by the Legislature.