Caroline Joyous and Kylie Marant Remember Charlie Kirk After Tragic Assassination at UVU Campus
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Caroline Joyous and Kylie Marant Remember Charlie Kirk After Tragic Assassination at UVU Campus
Caroline Joyous, a Turning Point USA ambassador, and Kylie Marant, a volunteer who witnessed the shooting, share their memories of Charlie Kirk following his assassination on the UVU campus. Caroline recalls Kirk's dedication to the younger generation and his final words to her: "Keep up the fight." Kylie describes the surreal moments of the attack and the community's shock. Both young women emphasize Kirk's message of faith and conviction, framing the tragedy as part of a larger spiritual battle between good and evil.
In the aftermath of Charlie Kirk's assassination on Wednesday, September 10th at approximately 12:23 p.m., two young women who knew him well came forward to share their memories and reflections. Caroline Joyous, a Turning Point USA ambassador, and Kylie Marant, a volunteer who witnessed the tragic shooting, offered their perspectives on Kirk's life, his impact on young people, and the spiritual nature of the battle he fought.
The suspected assassin was apprehended 33 hours after the shooting, bringing some measure of relief to those mourning Kirk's loss. During a press briefing, officials emphasized how political violence uniquely threatens the freedom of expression that Kirk championed throughout his life. His death in the very act of sharing ideas makes it more difficult for people to feel they can speak freely, a chilling effect that runs counter to everything Kirk stood for.
A Personal Connection to the Movement
Caroline Joyous's relationship with Charlie Kirk began when she was just 14 years old, getting involved with Turning Point USA at an age when most teenagers are focused on entirely different pursuits. Over the years, she had multiple opportunities to speak with Kirk and also developed a relationship with his wife, Erika.
What stood out most to Caroline was Kirk's genuine care for young people. When she was 16 years old, Kirk took time out of his busy schedule to sit down and give an interview to a teenage girl. "He could have been doing anything, but he cared. He really, really cared about our generation," Caroline recalled.
The last time Caroline spoke with Kirk was in December at America Fest in Phoenix. Despite being surrounded by press and dealing with numerous demands on his attention, Kirk noticed Caroline in the crowd. He stopped what he was doing, shook her hand, grinned, and told her something she would never forget: "Keep up the fight."
A Call to Continue the Mission
Drawing on those final words from Kirk, Caroline issued a challenge to everyone watching and listening. She encouraged people to do what Charlie would have wanted: keep up the fight. "Do not become complacent in your faith. Do not become quiet and scared and back down about your convictions. Keep up the fight," she said.
For Caroline, this message represents the core of what Kirk stood for and the legacy he leaves behind. It's a call to action that refuses to let fear and violence silence the voices of those who believe in the principles Kirk championed.
Witnessing the Unthinkable
Kylie Marant had a different but equally profound experience that day. She was present on campus when the shooting occurred, standing behind the tent before the event started. The atmosphere was electric with excitement, and the footage shows just how packed the venue was with people eager to hear Kirk speak.
When the shot rang out, Kylie struggled to comprehend what was happening. Coming from Utah, one of the safest places in the country, a gunshot was not the first thing that came to mind. Even seeing Charlie fall back and watching everyone drop to the ground, it took time for the reality to sink in. Someone had to pull her arm and tell her to run.
Days later, Kylie was still processing the trauma. "It still doesn't feel real," she said, echoing the sentiments of many who witnessed the attack or have watched the video circulating on social media. The timeline of events remains confused in her memory, as often happens with traumatic experiences. Everything happened so fast, yet time seemed to lose its normal meaning in those terrible moments.
Confronting the Motive
During the investigation, authorities interviewed a family member of the suspected assassin, identified as Robinson. This family member revealed that Robinson had become increasingly political in recent years. Prior to September 10th, Robinson attended a family dinner where Charlie Kirk's upcoming visit to UVU came up in conversation. Robinson and another family member discussed why they didn't like Kirk and disagreed with his viewpoints.
Most disturbingly, the family member stated that Robinson believed Kirk was "full of hate and spreading hate." The governor was quick to refute this characterization, stating emphatically, "And that is absolutely not true."
Good Versus Evil
When asked to respond to the claim that Kirk was spreading hate, Caroline Joyous offered a perspective that reframed the entire situation. "I think it's important for us to remember and I think this situation only magnifies the fact that we are not fighting solely a political war. This is a spiritual war. This is no longer just right versus left. This is good versus evil."
Caroline emphasized that Charlie Kirk stood for everything good and built his platform on God's word. Drawing from Biblical teaching, she noted that those who stand with Jesus will be hated by the world. "Charlie Kirk was hated by this world. And that is why," she explained.
Yet Caroline also acknowledged that Kirk was simultaneously loved by many in this world, particularly by the younger generation. He made a point of reaching out to young people when many politicians did not, creating a movement that empowered a new generation of conservative voices. This dual reality of being both hated and loved reflects the polarized nature of the times and the courage it took for Kirk to speak his convictions.
A Legacy That Endures
The shooting at UVU has left deep scars on all who witnessed it or knew Charlie Kirk personally. For Caroline and Kylie, the path forward involves honoring Kirk's memory by continuing the work he started. They refuse to be silenced by fear or intimidated by violence.
Kirk's message of faith, freedom of expression, and conviction in one's beliefs remains as relevant as ever. His assassination serves as a sobering reminder of the real dangers faced by those who speak controversial truths in the public square. Yet it also highlights the importance of protecting the freedom of expression enshrined in America's founding documents.
As the legal process unfolds and the suspected assassin awaits charges, the Turning Point USA community and Kirk's family continue to mourn while also celebrating a life dedicated to empowering young voices and defending principles worth fighting for. The clash of ideas that Kirk believed in must continue, even in the face of tragedy, because without that fundamental freedom, solving the other problems facing society becomes impossible.
