Remembering Charlie Kirk: Auburn University Holds Vigil After Tragic Assassination in Utah

Welcome to Samford Lawn in between the buildings of Hagris and Samford Hall right here at Auburn University. The noise you hear in the background, they just finished the beautiful parade in the downtown in preparation for homecoming. Many alumni here, family members as well to celebrate Auburn University. Currently an undefeated team going into week three up against South Alabama tomorrow. So good to see celebrations on campus and an otherwise sad week of violence throughout our country. Linda McMahon, the Secretary of Education, is watching along with the federal government for any assistance of any other violent copycats that could happen as a result of the loss of our friend Charlie Kirk in Utah on Wednesday. Yours truly, your humble correspondent. It has been some of the most difficult 50 or so hours beyond that now in my entire career being that I was friends with Charlie Kirk. He was my personal boss during my tenure at Turning Point USA. But the chapter here at Auburn University has decided to come together under their president Jacob Rossi to celebrate the life, the legacy, the lineage of Charlie Kirk. his vision put into place to defend free speech, the Constitution, our way of life, free enterprise, not necessarily getting behind simply politicians or a political ideology, but rather liberty and justice for all enshrined by the American Constitution. Charlie was a man who would come to college campuses. He would go through the American church regardless of denomination, Catholic, Orthodox to Protestant, evangelical as well as he was an evangelical Christian, an open bibleelving gentleman who loved his wife Erica and loved his two children. And the sad note about all of this is that they will be growing up without their father, their husband, their son. And as memorials gather throughout the country on college campuses from Liberty University outside of the Fall Kirk Center that he helped found to right here in Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama, we honor and celebrate the legacy of Charles James Kirk. He taught us with countless lessons that it is about the man in the arena. As President Roosevelt said, it's not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena whose face is marred with dust and sweat and blood. Who comes short again and again who spends himself in a worthy cause. Who at best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement. And who at worst if he fails at least fails while doing so greatly. so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat. And as we celebrate the greatness of college football, this land grant university from the 19th century that has enhanced the life in the yellow hammer state exponentially as we look towards the iron ball iron bowl that will happen just after Thanksgiving between their main rival Alabama and Tuscaloosa where we saw President Trump at the graduation ceremony on May 1st. talking about what will become of his legacy. There was perhaps no other person as closely linked to an individual like President Donald Trump as was Charlie Kirk. Truly a statesman, a man who was not a policy maker, but he did shape policy and the character thought and debate in this great nation. taken by an assassin's bullet due to hatred. And to the credit of this individual who I'll only name once, Tyler Robinson, who was in custody as of yesterday evening at 10:00, a minister friend of his, reported the situation to the family. And from what we're learning from multiple sources, the individual was turned in by his very own father. a reminder that we have a God who is merciful but also extraordinarily just. And we must remember as Charlie preached on countless occasions from churches to college campuses that this nation is a biblical nation, one that's under God and one whose judicial system is based on that. That you are innocent until proven guilty by a jury of your peers. That that Sixth Amendment guarantees that speedy trial. that so many recently, especially on the political right, did not see that come to fruition, especially under Joe Biden's administration. But Charlie persisted. Turning Point USA persisted. Countless free speech advocates did not hold back peacefully and patriotically, taking that message across the entire country. And we learned tonight that Erica Kirk will be speaking for the first time since the horrible events of Wednesday afternoon. It is poignant to mark that this death tragic in the United States and perhaps the worst political assassination that has shaken the landscape of America since they have the late 1960s with President Kennedy, Senator Kennedy, his brother and former attorney general running for president of the United States in 1968 to the civil rights leader Martin Luther King who preached nonviolence violence, forgiveness, and charity. Just as Charlie Kirk did in his 31 short but extraordinary years, we are facing a combination of an ideology, an unholy triumpvirant. When you look at the siren songs of communism and big government socialists who have tried to dominate these campuses until Charlie Kirk said, "I'm going to share a different perspective and create a ground game. That will be a movement that's completely unstoppable." By convincing people through dialogue and debate, by not hating someone simply because they disagree with you, but rather breaking bread, especially with those who might have a different perspective. Yet the big government communists don't want that to happen in this country. With 9/11 now 24 years later, we're reminded of the Islamists, al-Qaeda, ISIS, and the runoff of that leading also to secular globalism. And these three ideologies very aware that their common enemy is bibleelving Christians in the foundational documents of the United States of America written nearly 250 years ago. The antithesis to what they seek to achieve is that of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, who diverted his plane from New York City to honor those at ground zero in order to pick up the casket of Charlie Kirk in in Utah and accompanied it onto Air Force 2 with Second Lady Usha Vans holding the hand of Erica Kirk and the strength that you saw between two sisters in name only but two sisters bound by their two extraordinary husbands who have done so much to serve this great nation and Vice President JD Vance to media colleagues of mine to President Trump and just about everyone in between this week you have heard their personal friendships and they've held back tears on air as we celebrate the life and the legacy of Charles James Kirk. Now at approximately 7:45 there will be between Hargus and Sanford Hall we will find the exact location a celebration tonight as we are in contact with the Auburn University chapter of Turning Point USA and it's appropriate but also tough to recognize in such a short period of time the joy that's happening also with the pep rally behind me for the game tomorrow in week three of college football for homecoming. Auburn University versus South Alabama. Right here on the Sanford lawn, this is where they roll the corner. If you were watching the Voice of Reason just a week prior in the first week of September, we had Tumor's Corner Showcase. You could see that in the distance and those are the trees there, the live oaks where they roll the corner. This is also a historical spot as we are joined by our dear friend here, Brian Hollyan. Brian Hollyan, my friend, I'm so sorry. My condolences. We've been talking, we've been texting, and this is the first time uh we've seen you in person. Just share your thoughts, please, about Charlie Kirk, what he meant to you in your life, and how you are already making a difference as an 18-year-old freshman here at Auburn University. >> Charlie was a force to be reckoned with. He was one of my closest friends. I talked to him the morning it all happened. Um, he was my mentor in this movement, and we're here tonight for him. I'm gonna speak at this vigil in just a few moments. Uh it's definitely not an easy thing to do. I will say that my team certainly doesn't want me to be here. We're out in public. We're outdoors. Um I'm wearing a shirt that apparently is hateful to some people on the left. We're doing this for Charlie. We're here tonight for Charlie. And every moment that I continue this career forward is for Charlie. And I'm going to tell a story up here in a minute, but we'll talk to you about it first. Um, I vividly remember times that we went to college campuses together and there would be these young energetic college students like myself that would come up to the podium at Charlie's Q&A and say, "Charlie, who is the next Charlie Kirk?" Like, who continues this legacy? Who can be the one, you know, getting ready uh to like continue on the high school level and like kind of, you know, multiply here? And obviously, we never thought a situation like this would be the result of having that. And every single time, at least half a dozen on college campuses, Charlie came back and he said, "It's you. >> It's this young girl, it's this young boy, it's a college student, it's the campus, it's the people, it's you." If that doesn't give you hope, if that doesn't give you chills today, um we are the movements. Uh you can kill a man, but you can't kill a movement. And the coward that assassinated my friend in cold blood this week, tried to shut our generation up. If he did anything, boy, he woke us up. And you're going to see that tonight. college students on a Friday night before game day, they could be bar hopping, but they're going to be here praying for Charlie Kirk. >> And we've seen this already at Fall Kirk >> with uh the center at Liberty University. I was so inspired to see students coming together in prayer, and it's something that seems to be sweeping across the nation. >> Yes, absolutely. I mean, we've had over 100 prayer visuals uh on different college campuses for Charlie Kirk. This one's obviously personal. This is my people. These are my friends. These are my classmates. Um, Charlie was a larger than-l life walking, talking beacon of hope. And it hurts. It's painful. And I'll say this, it's really easy to want to pack up. It's really easy to want to say, "Hey, let's get out of this game. It's too dangerous. Let me go back to the safety of just being a normal college student sitting in class. Those thoughts have gone through my mind in the last 48 hours. We're doing this for Charlie. We're going to continue this legacy for Charlie. We're here tonight for Charlie. And it's not going to be another news story. I won't allow that to happen. Um, this is our Andrew Breitbart moments where we get so inspired and so pissed off that we don't just go to anger like he wouldn't have wanted us to do. We go straight to activism and and after we get through the morning process, that's what we'll be doing. >> And almost a pregame happening as it's homecoming week here to see all these people out for the parade and for the pep rally. It's almost in a weird way reassuring as we go through all of these different emotions. >> It absolutely is. And and we're in a moment in this country where so many people seek hope, where so many people are looking for answers. And I'm going to be honest with you, the answers are not in a conservative leader. The answers are not in the Republican party. Charlie's going to be remembered for a lot of things over the next week. Yes, Charlie's political successes were so great. I told you on air the other day, the reason that Donald Trump is sitting in the Oval Office this evening is because of Charlie, because of Charlie's work ethic. And I will fully attest that as somebody that was on the campaign trail. But I will absolutely passionately and boldly say that I want Charlie be remembered as a man of faith, as someone who put his faith first because politics is temporary. Faith is eternal. >> Amen. And that's something that he actually mentioned on that podcast. He said, >> "How would you like to be remembered? I like to be remembered for my faith in a powerful moment as he sought holy marriages. He sought >> having people get into biblically based church." He wanted boys to become men by getting themselves into the church. >> He did. And and if this inspires anything, yes, vote Republican. Yes, go get registered. Um I'll tell you this story. I got a phone call. The only little bit of hope and and positivity that I've had this week was my college pastor called probably 2 hours ago and he said, "Brian, I know you're busy. I just want to tell you this. We had a young college student from Auburn come and knock on our church door this afternoon. And it's going to tear me up just thinking about it." She said, "I was a Charlie fan. I was a proud Republican. I went to his events. I followed him on social media, but I didn't follow the Lord. And I noticed that nobody was talking about his relationship with Donald Trump. They were talking about his relationship with Jesus Christ. And she got saved in our church parking lot this evening. And I just I just know that Charlie is looking out a window in heaven smiling because he just gained a sister in Christ. And if that means anything to this movement, that is what we should be focusing on right now. That really is an extraordinary story for people to give their lives to Christ because we're seeing that revival on America's campuses. And you might think, "Wow, you send your child here for four years, not only to grow, but oh, they might just be partying the whole time." Or it might be a useless degree. That's something that Charlie criticized on a regular basis of the current American higher education system. But it's people like you, Brian Hollyand, who are making extraordinary difference by the way you witness to Christ. >> Thank you. I appreciate it. And and that is what his legacy needs to be. Not as a man of politics, but a man of faith. He was a father. Um he was he was a a husband, but above all that he was a man of faith and and I appreciate y'all being here. >> Thank you so much, Brian. Um if you actually would direct us where you'll be going. It's right outside of Hargus. Okay. >> Fantastic. We'll see you in a moment. Thank you so much. God bless you. >> Appreciate you. >> We're going to toss Erica right now who is speaking. Jesus. Good evening. My name is Erica Kirk. Charlie Kirk is my husband. I first want to thank the local, state, and federal law enforce enforcement who worked tirelessly to capture my husband's assassin so that he can be brought to justice. I want to thank the first responders who struggled heroically heroically to save Charles's life. and the police who acted bravely to make sure that there were no other victims on that terrible afternoon. I want to thank the officers who have protected our Turning Point USA family these past two days. And I want to thank the Turning Point USA board, the COO, Justin Strife, and my husband's chief of staff, the amazing Mikey McCoy, for all their work in these terrible days to be the stability for our family and for the wider Turning Point USA family as well. My heart is with every one of my husband's employees who lost a friend and a mentor. I want to thank the staffers of this his amazing Charlie Kirk show who helped him broadcast from this studio this this chair every day. He loved it. He loved what he did. I want to thank the millions of people who have shown their love for Charlie here in Phoenix, across America, and worldwide. I want to thank my husband's dear friend, Vice President Vance, and his phenomenal wife, Usha, for their love and support. You guys honored my husband so well bringing him home. You both are tremendous. I want to thank President Trump and his incredible family for the same. Mr. president. My husband loved you. And he knew that you loved him, too. He did. Your friendship was amazing. You supported him so well, as did he for you. [Music] Two days ago, my husband Charlie went to see the face of his savior and his God. [Music] Charlie always said that when he was gone, he he wanted to be remembered for his courage and for his faith. And one of the final conversations that he had on this earth, my husband witnessed for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Now and for all eternity, he will stand at his savior's side wearing the glorious crown of a martyr. Charlie loved loved life. He loved his life. He loved America. He loved nature, which helped him always bring him closer to God. He loved the Chicago Cubs. And my goodness, did he love the Oregon Ducks. Want me to say go Ducks. So, I have to since they play on Saturday. So, go Ducks. But most of all, Charlie loved his children and he loved me with all of his heart. And I knew that every day I knew that. He made sure I knew that every day. Every day he would ask me, "How can I serve you better? How can I be a better husband? How can I be a better father?" Every day. Every day. Such a good man. He still is a good man. He was the perfect father. He was the perfect husband. Charlie always believed that God's design for marriage in the family was absolutely amazing. And it is. It is. And it was the greatest joy of his life. and over and over he would tell all these young people to come in and find their future spouse, become wives and husbands and parents. And the reason why is because he wanted you all to experience what he had and still has. He wanted everyone to bring heaven into this earth through love and joy that comes from raising a family. It's beautiful. Charlie always said that if he ever ran for office, I know a lot of you asked if he ever was going to, but privately he told me if he ever did run for office that his top priority would be to revive the American family. That was his priority. One of Charlie's favorite Bible verses was Ephesians 5:2. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. My husband laid down his life for me, for our nation, for our children. He showed the ultimate and true covenantal love. I will never ever have the words to describe the loss that I feel in my heart. I honestly have no idea what any of this means. I know that God does, but I don't. But Charlie, baby, I know you do, too. I know you do. So does our Lord. And our world is filled with evil. But our God, you guys, our God is so good. He's so incredibly good. And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good for those who are called according to his purpose. Already I have seen the worldwide outpouring of love for my husband. I've heard the testimonies from people my husband inspired to get married, to start families, to seek out a relationship with God. It's the most important most important one of all. The evildoers responsible for my husband's assassination have no idea what they have done. They killed Charlie because he preached a message of patriotism, faith, and of God's merciful love. But they should all know this. If you thought that my husband's mission was powerful before, you have no idea. You have no idea what you just have unleashed across this entire country. In this world, you have no idea. You have no idea the fire that you have ignited within this wife. The cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battlecry. To everyone listening tonight across America, the movement my husband built will not die. It won't. I refuse to let that happen. It will not die. All of us will refuse to let that happen. No one will ever forget my husband's name, and I will make sure of it. It will become stronger, bolder, louder, and greater than ever. My husband's mission will not end, not even for a moment. And one of Charlie's greatest talents was his ability, this phenomenal ability to choose great people to follow him. He could always find the ones who could handle any setback. And it's almost like he knew. He just he could see it in you. Even when you couldn't see it in yourself, he just knew. He knew you could handle it. You thought you only had 5% left. And he knew you had 15. He knew you were ready to go that extra mile even when you didn't. He always challenged people around him to work harder and to be better. He never gave up. And I love knowing that one of his one of his mottos was never surrender. So I want to tell you that that we'll never surrender. We never will ever ever. Our campus tour this fall will continue. There will be even more tours in the years to come. America Fest here in Phoenix this December will go on. It will be greater than ever. The radio and podcast show that he was so proud of will go on. And in a world filled with chaos, doubt, and uncertainty, my husband's voice will remain. And it will ring out louder and more clearly than ever. and his wisdom will endure. My favorite my my favorite too, but my husband's favorite word in the English language was earn. He would call all of you to be people of action who earn the future America deserves. So, to all of the young people who felt inspired by my husband's faith in hard work, all of you already know what Charlie would want you to do. You know, you know, if you're in high school or if you're in college, go find your local Turning Point USA chapter. Join it. Stay involved. He wants you to make a difference. And you can. You can. The movement's not going anywhere. And it will only grow stronger when you join it. If there isn't a chapter, you can't find one, then start one. There is no excuse. You can start one. And as my husband used to say in this room every single day, if you want to get involved, the best way you can do that is going to tpusa.com. That's what he would say every day from this chair. every single day. I watched his show every day and he would always say, "If you want to get involved, go to tpusa.com." If you're a pastor, join our movement at TPUSA faith. And if you're a parent, I highly recommend that you come to America Fest in December. Sign up right now for that because we would love to see you. I would love to see you. Charlie would he'll be there. He'll be there in spirit. Bring your kids. Bring your family. But most important of all, if you aren't a member of a church, I beg you to join one. A bibleelving church. Our battle is not simply a political one. Above all, it is spiritual. It is spiritual. The spiritual warfare is palpable. Charlie loved his savior with all of his heart. And he wanted every one of you to know him, too. He wanted everyone to know that if they confess, if they confess the Lord Jesus Christ, who rose from the dead, then they will be saved. Hear me when I say this. Nobody is ever too young to know the gospel. Nobody. Nobody is ever too young to get involved with saving this beautiful country. This country my husband loved and still loves. And nobody is ever too old either. There's no age limit. I know my husband is still here. He's watching over us. I don't remember the last time I slept and I couldn't sleep last night. And Charlie, baby, Charlie, I promise I will never let your legacy die, baby. I won't. I I promise I'll make Turning Point USA the biggest thing that this nation has ever seen. I promise. Charlie, I love you. I love you, baby. Rest in the arms of our Lord as he blankets you with the words I know your heart always strived to hear. Well done, my good and faithful servant. When I got home last night, Gigi, our daughter just ran into our my arms and I talked to her and she said, "Mommy, I missed you." I said, "I miss you, too, baby." She goes, "Where's Daddy?" What do you tell a three-year-old? She's three. I said, "Baby, daddy loves you so much. Don't you worry. He's on a he's on a work trip with Jesus, so he can afford your blueberry budget." And my goodness, am I so humbled to witness Charlie, you alongside Jesus right now doing what you always wanted to do, baby. Making heaven crowded, right? That's what it's all about. making heaven crowded. I can't wait to see you again one day. Thank you all again who love my husband, who supported him, who wrote him an email every single day during his radio show. He read all of them. All of them. God bless you all and may God bless America. that we finally say enough is enough and we stand up for what we believe in. This is not a call to violence, but call to act upon your freedoms before they are taken away. Voice your opinions. Be loud. Be proud of what you believe in. Let your voice be heard. [Music] And it will not be easy. But Charlie Kirk didn't stand for something easy. Charlie Kirk stood on the foundation of which America was founded upon. Charlie Kirk stood for each and every one of your rights. And that's something we should fight for day in and day out. [Music] To my fellow patriotic Americans, the evil in this world thinks that they can shut us down and silence our cries for freedom and extinguish the fire that burns within our souls. But we will not be silenced and we will not stand down because this movement does not die with a man. To those of you who think we can be silenced, those of you who celebrate this tragedy is a victory, look around you. We are stronger now more than ever. There's a flame that burns within our souls that you have lit and you cannot put out [Music] >> with the spirit of the Lord before us and the spirit of the Lord behind us. We will fight. We will fight this evil and we will prevail. [Music] I would like to leave you with my my favorite Charlie Kirkwell that now seems to speak to me louder than it ever has before. Charlie said, "Courage is acting on what you believe in, even when it feels uncomfortable, which speaks now, I'll say it again, louder than it ever has before." Be courageous. [Music] Say thank you to Charlie Kirk for not just inspiring me, but inspiring a movement that will affect generations to come. We will make you proud and continue your legacy. Thank you all. Thank you, Marshall. And real quick before we wrap up, I would like to give a shout out to our amazing executive team here tonight. Mr. Marshall Edward, our VP, Haley Ray, our uh events coordinator, Mr. Lex Senzan, our treasurer, Mr. Secretary, I don't believe, is here. That's Andrew. And then uh Caroline Borin, our co- media director, and where's Ardan? She's in the back. Ardan's in the back. She also helps run our social media. So, thank you all very much for coming out tonight. Just a few closing remarks before we wrap up. >> I think we can all agree that this past week has been probably one of the roughest ones we have seen in a while. >> With the horrific horrific events from all across the country to our very backyard, we encourage everyone to keep our country in your prayers. We at TurningPoint USA commit to living our lives like Charlie in a Christlike manner >> and in a constant will to see this country be great. Charlie's passing does not mark the mark an end, but a call for us to continue what he started. At a time where our country seems extremely divided, I hope that we can find unity in one another, a sense of security in each other, and a hope for a better tomorrow. Please join me in a moment of silence followed by the singing of followed by the singing of America the Beautiful. I believe Mr. Graham Ice is here. He will help us lead it otherwise I'll have to join in myself. So thank you. >> Perfect. [Music] Thank you. Is Graham here? No. >> All right. Sing it with me, y'all. Amazing. Oh beautiful for spacious skies for amber waves of grains [Music] above the fruited plains. [Music] Americ [Music] with Christ. >> Thank you all for coming out tonight. We greatly appreciate your support and unending greatly appreciate your support and unending [Music] unending. [Music] >> Thank you very much for your support. We greatly appreciate it. We'll be out on campus in the following weeks tableabling. Please come by and see us. And please keep the Kirk family, the rest of your country in your arms. Thank you. Truly an extraordinary evening as we close the night with America the Beautiful. started with Amazing Grace initially. Both incredible songs that honor America and honor our foundational principles as a biblical nation. All death can do to the believer is deliver them to Jesus as the late John MacArthur who passed this year and Philippians 1:21 remind us as Charlie lived by that. Brian Hollyan with some extraordinary words. Same with the leadership of Auburn University's chapter here of Turning Point USA on this beautiful 78°ree evening on Auburn University's campus on the Sanford lawn outside of Hargus Hall. We're going to talk to some people here regarding just this evening and what uh sir you think about tonight and Charlie's legacy and everything that is just going through your mind right now. >> Um I didn't know him. I didn't know him, but I didn't know him very well. I I heard about it what happened when I was at work. My girlfriend called me and told me that Charlie Kirk had been shot and I at first thought she was just I I mean it's not something to joke around with, but I didn't think she was really being very serious about it. I thought it was maybe just an attempt to I didn't realize it was very serious at first. And then whenever we realized how serious it was and how bad it was. Um I would say I felt a mixture of anger and a desire for justice. Um but I am myself a deep uh Christian and I was trying to figure out how to continue moving forward with my Christian ideals in place and seek a a righteous justice while still trying to cuz obviously Charlie was very very Christian. I wanted to do it in the way that he would want to do it. Um, and I think a lot of people out there are also feeling the same way of a lot of anger, but also they want to continue Charlie's legacy moving forward. And I think that's what everybody really wants is to continue that movement and continue debate. Um, because the moment we resort to violence is the moment that uh debate stops talking, it stops happening and then you just have violence and that's that's terrible. So, >> I'm just using my eyes tonight, but we see students, we see alumni, we see families here. It is homecoming weekend in week three of college football for the Auburn Tigers as we welcome South Alabama here to campus. And it's a striking contrast of feelings for me as well. He was a dear personal friend. I'm an alum of Turning Point USA, of that wonderful organization, and now led here to Right Side Broadcasting Network. Without Charlie Kirk, my career doesn't take shape like this. to talk to a gentleman such as yourself. But this is a remark remarkable community outside of just the university. We had the parade tonight. We have the rally going on right now, the pep rally. And now this a prayer vigil for an extraordinary human being that really puts history into perspective and brings it to life. Because I'm not sure if anyone looking around was there in the late '60s when we lost President Kennedy, Senator Kennedy, his brother who was the former attorney general, and then ultimately in 1968, that civil rights leader who preached nonviolence, who strived to live a Christlike Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., I think Charlie Kirk is the most significant person perhaps since then to preach that gospel message in the political sphere. >> Yes. No, I I actually will say my grandfather was a doctor in Memphis when he was when Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. And the first thing I thought of whenever I heard whenever he got Charlie Kirk got assassinated was how eerily similar what reminded me of those events whenever MLKJ was assassinated. I thought of the exact same thing because he was a powerhouse. Um Charlie was as just like Martin Luther King Jr. was. Um and when they couldn't stand to talk to him, they had to resort to violence. Um, and I will agree like Auburn, I went to undergrad here and graduate school here. I actually graduated last year in May. Um, my I have two brothers that go to Auburn. My parents went to Auburn. I'm a fourth generation Auburn student. Um, so Auburn's in my blood, but and it's a great city. It's a great place. Um, and I also was a member of Turning Point. I was I wasn't as active as I probably could have been in college cuz I didn't it didn't mean quite what it means to me now back then. Um, but I will agree that it is very important, I think, especially nowadays with these events, these past weeks, uh, just the shootings and and even on the same day that Charlie was shot, the shooting in Denver, um, a very tragic situation that happened and just Auburn, I know as a whole community, Auburn is very special and we will continue to pray. Um, we're very religious community. We are very Christian. We love Jesus here in uh Auburn, Alabama. And uh just it's it's a beautiful city and all of us will continue to pray for Charlie and his family. I will pray for I have been praying. I honestly didn't know I was going to pray this much for a person I've never met or feel this sad for a person that I've never met. Um and I I Charlie um his family has my support, has all of our support. His wife, his two children have our support. and there's anything they ever need. Just I know thousands of people are all probably saying the same thing, but Auburn, Alabama says the exact same thing. >> It is the loveliest village on a plains for the reason that you got your undergrad, your graduate, and then continue to lead right here. Thank you, sir, for your thoughts tonight. It really means the world. As we're right outside of Hargus Hall, right near Sanford Hall, this is where they roll the we roll the oaks right over here. All these oaks around. This is where we roll the tumors with toilet paper after a victory at a football game or a basketball game or any other sports event >> and very likely to continue tomorrow which in a way honors Charlie in the sense because he was on these college campuses and he was preaching that free speech message. Thank you again so much for your time. And as we see people are still congregated the leadership over there right outside in front of Hargus Hall. And we'll lead on that way to talk to some folks as we'll get the perspective of these two gentlemen over here. Hello men. It's really that message of Charlie that he was seeking to grow boys to men by getting into church, by getting into community, by making a difference. What inspired you tonight to come out here to celebrate his life? >> Well, I was just at the gym and um actually midset. I didn't think I would be able to make it here on time, but I was able to clip the end. And uh, man, he just inspired a lot of people in my generation. I don't think it's often you see a, you know, a political figure embody um, Christian ideals so closely to Charlie. I mean, the first thing that came to when I heard the news was seeing his reaction on election night to Trump winning and just seeing his family crowded around him and them all crying and, you know, hugging on each other. I mean, first things first, he was a father and that was the most important thing in his life to him was being a father and a Christian. And it's just devastating to see what happened and moments like this and as Sassin attempts to spread fear in the hearts of people. But we see people gathered here not only for the parade before the game tomorrow for homecoming, the pep rally just in front of Sanford Hall and us in front of Hargus Hall to honor the life and the memory of Charles James Kirk. >> Yeah. So I have already like just from being on campus this morning, I've seen such a difference. Uh I I had the opportunity to share the gospel with this group and they were all awakened just by Charlie's legacy and what he left behind. And people are starting to realize now what Charlie stood for and are starting to come to faith like we seen just like he was talking about earlier. I seen one today that came to faith because of Charlie and the legacy that he left behind that pointed him to Jesus. And ultimately uh that was that's really what Charlie stood for. and the faith that he had and that he just demonstrated even with loving people who had different opinions. That is really what Charlie stood for and what stood out to me. And that's what the crucial message is for anyone who's been to a Turning Point conference who anyone involved in a great chapter like this and then you get to know Charlie and see him in action. It was always that happy warrior spirit. It was the grassroots humility, persistent innovation, a warrior spirit, but also the willingness to give the shirt off his back for anyone who needed it. Absolutely. Charlie was a a very hard worker and he could have spent the rest of his life in a comfy office, you know, surrounded by all his success, but he went to every single campus and not the easy ones, too. I mean, he could have hit up campuses like Auburn, um, you know, with barely any people who disagree with him, but he went to, you know, the battleground states and, uh, man, a man like that just has endless courage. What is the one takeaway from Charlie Kirk's life that you can apply to your own as you move through school here at Auburn University in a community that's surrounded with such extraordinary support even outside of a tragedy such as this? >> I would say the importance of the gospel and the fight against evil in the world. And I just want to share this also. Um, when as soon as I heard about the Charlie, the whole Charlie situation, instantly I went to and for anybody on the camera is at least we know and we have the hope of Jesus that the same God he served. At least we have that hope after death. And Charlie had that hope and we can know for sure because of Jesus and him giving us that hope. And that's the ultimate legacy he wanted to leave. And that's a legacy that's really ingrained here at the land grant university, the premier one, Auburn, Alabama in this great yellow hammer state. Gentlemen, thank you so much for your time tonight and our prayers and thoughts with you and the entire community in this process. >> Absolutely. And as we continue to talk to more people and we see people just hugging, spending time together, we're now minutes after the entire rally and the prayer service and the vigil and we still have turning point leadership here discussing with countless people. And we wonder as well who could be someone who wasn't involved in this altogether who decided to talk and come and break bread with their fellow citizens. And sir, Steve, thank you for approaching. Just give us some thoughts about tonight in this prayer vigil. after such a tragedy and losing the great Charlie Kirk. >> Yeah, I think people need a space and a and a time and place to to grieve um and think about a tragedy like this. So, it's a it's a good it's a good it's a good time. >> Now, share with us uh are you an alum from Auburn? Are you here for homecoming? >> I am and I'm alone from Auburn. Um and about Yeah, I I knew Charlie not well. We had dinner probably about 5 years ago or so and uh with my children and and knew and respected him greatly. He's a great guy. >> And what's the message and the hope you take from him especially for your children that they can take into the world? >> Uh ideas uh should be openly discussed and you should be able to shed more light than heat on ideas. And so uh that's the reason America exists in my opinion to be able to discuss ideas that uh even if we disagree greatly we should be able to discuss these ideas without uh anger without dissension without these things. Uh it's how some of the greatest universities were founded right you would debate two two professors would debate each other around students and you would learn uh about that idea but we can't get more and more upset and we certainly can't take a life because of that because we disagree with somebody. Um and so you know that's uh I hope my children um are can stay confident in their beliefs and also respect others and and want to discuss with others their beliefs and and you know beliefs of others with them and and have that discussion with them. >> Well, thank you for spending the time with us tonight in front of Hargus Hall on the Samford lawn here. It's really an amazing evening to see the celebration, the parades happening, the pep rally, but also the vigil and the life celebration of Charles James Kirk. Absolutely. >> Thank you for sharing your perspective. >> And as we walk over here and get closer to the Turning Point leadership, perhaps we could talk to chapter presidents and you see as this homecoming celebration is underway, what an appropriate time to highlight and celebrate Charlie Kirk's life. And we can see here that uh more wonderful people out here celebrating his life tonight. Uh what was the vigil like for you? >> I actually got here late so I didn't get to see the aftermath. >> So we're just trying to >> Well, there's a big celebration tonight. >> That's why we came. It was really important to us. We just arrived a little bit late. But yeah, um it's it makes me feel really good that things like this are going on on campus because it's really important. >> Well, it is inspiring, isn't it? because it's a secular campus. It's a land grant university. But there's a legacy here. Many family members, generations going to Auburn for undergrad and graduate. Now, celebrating homecoming. So, a very fitting weekend to celebrate not only the football game in front of Sanford Hall, but also the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk. And in the Bible belt, his message really rang true. Uh perhaps greater than anywhere else in the country. >> Yeah, I agree with that. >> Absolutely. Mhm. >> No question about that. And he he loved Alabama, just as President Trump loved Alabama, because you always have a seat at the table here in this great state, the heart of Dixie. And Charlie was someone who actually broke bread with a lot of people regardless of political opinion. >> Yeah, he seemed to be just very well loved. Seen like an outpouring of support across the state. Just saw something on Instagram earlier about a banner flown down at the beach down in uh in Orange Beach. So, it's really nice to see a lot of people just coming out to to pay their respects that, you know, admire what he stood for. And I have a feeling that he's going to inspire a lot of people probably like yourself to rise up and be a lot more bold where maybe they would have been quiet before. So, >> well, there's no question about that. And I can owe Charlie so much in my career because he was my boss at one point and a dear friend of mine going back to the Chicago days. And it's been a heavy week. It's been a heavy few hours, especially to see though the reaction. And today the the peace and the joy is settling in to see the reactions of everyone here. And as the viewers know as well, uh without Charlie, I wouldn't be in the role I'm in right now. So I miss you, buddy. And look forward to seeing you on the other side. as we covered tonight all the people who love you and the inspiration you made here and thank you. Enjoy your homecoming weekend and War Eagle. >> Eagle, >> we're going to go big again South Alabama tomorrow. >> Absolutely. >> Thank you. >> Oh, you're welcome. And as we get closer here to Hargus Hall, we can see the discussions. We can see the president of Turning Point USA, the chapter right here on campus. And it's those individual chapters that make a massive difference on a daily basis. If you watched our earlier broadcast today with my friends Jeff Flicker, Riot Rouise, yours truly, your humble correspondent, we were all managers in the field. We were on college campuses on a near daily basis to table and take that message of free speech and the Constitution, the founding documents of this great nation with the backdrop of great cars and fun times and everything that should go along with being a college campus. But that idea of free thought shared and dialogued with one another in a respectful manner. The far-left, let's be honest, over the course of the last century had a grip, a stronghold on America's college campuses. And one man at 18 years old had a different vision for that and took that into partnership with the late Bill Montgomery and the late Foster Freeze who ran for governor of Wyoming and ultimately to a citizen who came down an escalator with our first future first lady and his name was Donald John Trump who took his ideals to a television show and then on to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in order to make America great again. and perhaps one of the greatest alliances of political thought of culture wars, engaging directly where it was going astray. And Charlie ultimately giving his life as a martyr to this cause doing what he loved aptly with the shirt that he wore, that last outfit, just saying freedom on it and speaking on the topic that he was speaking on. and then to suffer from that same gun violence which will create dialogue in the days going forward but especially when it comes to mental illness in this country. But this university, this community responding with prayer, with goodwill, with thoughts coming together with a fearlessness to continue to gather peacefully as outlined by our first amendment. Charlie would be very proud tonight. And as we continue to talk to people right here on campus, we thank you for our special coverage at Right Side Broadcasting Network. We're on the Sanford lawn outside of Hargus Hall just down there, the beautiful Sanford Hall as we showcased on the Voice of Reason just recently, not too far from College and Magnolia and Tumor's Corner as this community prepares for homecoming and prepares for week three of college football as we welcome South Alabama into this extraordinary community. So you can see the orange and the blue. You can see the colors. You can see mixed emotions tonight. A celebration, sadness, anger, but that key message of forgiveness. The message of Brian Hollyan, a dear friend of ours of the network and at 18 years old reminds me of what Charlie was doing all those years ago when it began as Save Our State Illinois, moving it into Turning Point USA. He was truly a pioneer and has inspired countless others who will take up that mantle now in order to save this great constitutional republic. And Brian tonight as we interviewed him speaking on one Timothy and forgiveness and forgive them Lord they know not what they do that we must ask forgiveness not only of ourselves but of the perpetrator who did this to Charlie because that's what Charlie would have wanted. It's the way Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. lived in the worst American political assassination since the late 1960s. So, as we reflect, as we pray, as we join together with family and friends on this extraordinary campus, we see how people do come together. Ma'am, if you don't mind, I just like to get your thoughts tonight on this extraordinary gathering honoring Charlie Kirk on this homecoming weekend. >> So, my son was actually the president of Turning Point here on Auburn University, >> the first year it was ever. >> Yeah. In 2020, >> and he is down the street, but he can't come tonight because he's just so torn up about it obviously still. Um, but it's good to see that all these students are out here and nobody's being silenced based on the hatred and the vitrial that is being spewed because it's disgusting for sure. Um, I can only hope that these students continue to speak their truth and know that it's okay to speak their truth and it's okay to profess their faith and be true to who they are and not be silenced by the threats that are so great in our society because this shouldn't be. It it shouldn't be. I I mean I the closest thing I can come to is everything that happened back in the 60s. Like there's just nothing that I remember in my lifetime, which you know, I'm a minute or two older than these kids. And there's been nothing in my lifetime that comes close to this and what we're going through right now. It's it's okay to love God and it's okay to love the country. >> It's okay to say that you love God and that you love the country. And by the way, it's also okay to say what you think, or at least it should be okay to say what you think without the fear of rep retriution and that somebody's going to >> try to destroy you or take you down or be violent. Exactly. And that's something that strikes me about this community and that this land grant-based university, the finest in Alabama, not a slight to our friends over in Tuscaloosa. >> Well, okay. War Eagle. >> Well, we expect that to uh roll the corner here, roll the the live oaks tomorrow as we enjoy homecoming against as we welcome South Alabama, a fine school in its own right. But there's something special about this place and something I've noticed that the contentment of these young people perhaps the greatest in all of the country. >> They are going to like take the next generation forward with their their passion with their strength because they're founded in God. They're find founded in family and also in our country. And those things are very important our values. Like we're allowed to speak about those things without something happening terribly to our families. like what happened to Charlie Kirk is an outrage, but we've have emboldened and alived like a 100red million more Charlie Kirks. >> No question about that with the amazing leadership we saw tonight by these young students. Ladies, thank you for your thoughts and more ego. Let's go get them tomorrow. >> Yes, thank you. >> Thank you. And there is always the positivity >> that is within that process of grief of the of the tears but the smiles and my thoughts today after talking to friends and family members the exact thoughts that Charlie made me smile. He would do impressions just as I do impressions. And Candace Owens comments just yesterday. not to speak for the great Candace Owens, but she talked us about that on those road trips as we would traverse college campuses across this country to share that message of our constitutional foundation and the fact that this nation built on that structure of Judeo-Christian values. It's alive and well here in Auburn, Alabama. And as we get closer towards the chapter leadership to get their thoughts on this evening and there are still people around this beautiful area of Hargus Hall right where it's downtown uh Auburn where students come together alumni and residents from the community many people actually moving here with their Auburn connections and that's extraordinary to watch and see as you're joining us for a special evening of Right Side Broadcasting Network honoring the life and legacy of Charles James Kirk, a dear personal friend of mine, a former boss. And as we grieve together, we can feel his spirit as his mission was to serve Jesus Christ and to the best of his ability strive after his Lord and Savior. And as Christ put out his apostles on that mission, a a message of think about this with Peter and Andrew, brothers who could clash at times and the early leaders of the church, if you've watched the chosen or a fan of that great show, remember when they go to Matthew, the Roman Tax Collector, and they pull Jesus to the side. John seems a bit upset about it as well. And they say, "Sir, he's a Roman tax collector, Lord, Savior, Messiah. What are we doing here? Rabbi, why choose this person?" And he said, "Get used to different." Charlie Kirk had an approach of spreading this message with just about anyone to change minds, to change hearts. And at a campus clash to the American comeback tour where he ultimately lost his life in Utah, he would always ask students to come to the front of the line. It would draw adults like adults have been drawn tonight to this prayer of Mitchell. And he would ask those who disagree with him to come to the front of the line. I saw it on countless occasions. He was someone who truly loved everyone. And anytime anytime I hope I got this across to the viewers this week during our coverage that you went up to him and said you're I'm proud of you. It's amazing what you're doing. Keep going. Cuz people were in awe of him. He was larger than life. He'd always turned back especially if he knew you and said well you're doing this amazing thing. Keep at it. I can remember my own personal ambition of running for office on a couple of occasions especially in my hometown nearly a decade ago. He was more concerned when we met over that. How was the race going as I would get on a plane on Monday morning very early the first one 5:30 or so from Chicago O'Hare go across the country in some cases with him right on campus to do our due diligence on these college campuses leave late on Friday and then come back for the weekend and knock on doors. I learned so much from him in that entire process. As let's get towards the leadership here and try to get some of their thoughts tonight on this extraordinary evening. Ladies, it's a beautiful vigil. We're honoring Charlie Kirk. >> Speak. >> Oh, it's absolutely. Yeah. We are joined together with everyone who you can still see people are together for homecoming. What brought you out here for this vigil to honor Charlie Kirk? Um, I have met Charlie multiple times. I have, um, worked with Turning Point for years. I've gone to multiple conferences and I've seen how well he treats his employees. I've seen how intentional he is with every conversation he has. I've seen how he follows Christ and everything he does. Um, and my political career was started because of seeing his passion for what he does. Um, and so I I was so pleased that they came to honor him tonight. Um, and we can all live on his legacy by keeping fired up for what we believe in and holding up our values. >> An Assassin's Bullet would try to take away and frighten people in the process. The opposite has happened tonight with a parade happening for homecoming and then also a pep rally simultaneously outside of Sanford Hall as we're in front of Hargus Hall right here on the Sanford grounds where tomorrow ideally we'll be rolling the live oaks after a victory against South Alabama. You got it, Sid. >> Um, I think we kind of have no comment on that right now. >> Absolutely. >> I'm sorry. I don't know what to say on that. >> Oh, me neither. I'm so sorry. >> No, it's, you know, this is a a process of we're all grieving in different ways and it's going to be a long time, but the leadership of this chapter of this organization really set the pace in an extraordinarily unique way. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. Thank you. I think we're all just grieving and mourning right now. >> Absolutely. >> Well, thank you ladies. We appreciate you coming out tonight and sir, just some of your thoughts on what's happened here tonight. A campus, a secular campus coming together to pray for the life and the legacy of Charlie Kirk. >> Right. Uh Charlie Kirk from everything that I've seen on him online and from what I've heard from people that knew him personally, he was an amazing guy. He upstanding guy. He had a beautiful family. God rest us on. God help his grieving family. I mean, that's I mean, I know we've all seen the video. It's horrible. But if I can expand on what you were saying about this Turning Point chapter in particular, like I know Marshall personally, he's an amazing guy. He will lead us along with Roose in the right direction. Um, you know, I personally didn't agree with Charlie on some things, right? Um, but that doesn't justify taking someone's life. It just that's never should be the case. I think now more than ever, we should realize that it's not even a battle between the left or the right. It's not a battle between Republicans and Democrats. It's it's genuinely a spiritual battle, a battle between good and evil. We have demonic forces at work against us. Um, God save us all. That's all I have to say about that. >> Amen, my friend. And the amazing thing about tonight, this community came together for homecoming weekend when many could be out doing other things, right? >> But we had students, alumni alike, come together, many families tonight as well to celebrate and >> in a reverent way listen to the words of the leadership of this chapter and a great friend of all of ours, Brian Hollyan, who had that personal friendship with Charlie Kirk. >> Yes. Yeah. Uh it was brilliant messaging. Um, now more than ever, we have to fight evil, but we can't fight them back with evil. That's not the way forward. I mean, Christ, he says, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." You know, we we have to fight the good fight, but the right way. We can't try to incite some sort of civil war, anything like that. That's not the way forward. That's not the right way forward. It's violence should not be met with violence. That's demonic. The demons are trying to rile up a lot of us to try to retaliate with force. You know that I think a lot of people probably going to fall prey to that deception, but that's not the way forward. >> A beautiful message, the message of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the message of Charlie Kirk and people who have sacrificed on the altar of liberty so that we may be free. So thank you sir for your time tonight. God bless you. Absolutely. Gentlemen, just some thoughts tonight on this prayer vigil and as we celebrate as your jacket says it's the United States of America and everyone here has that right to freedom of speech. Charlie Kirk lived and died for that. I think the biggest thing that Charlie would have wanted everybody to know is, you know, Jesus is king. Christ is king. And something he made sure everybody knew of is that the relationship that you have with Jesus directly affects your relationships you have with those around you. And Proverbs 27:19 says, "As what reflects the face, someone's life reflects or someone's actions reflect their life or someone's heart reflects their life." And I think that really embodies Charlie. Um, his life really reflected his goal, which was to spread Jesus Christ and spread Jesus's love to everybody. And um and especially at this point in time with everything going on um I think that's the biggest message that he would like to everybody to know is that Jesus loves you and your relationship with him matters because no matter what at the end of the day that's he matters. Jesus is king. He became America's pastor in a way because the way he lived his life. It was by example and he understood that politics just the downstream of the culture. He attacked that headon so that Gen Z might be Gen 3. Charlie Kirk was nothing short of a martyr. And it's apparent when you go around and the next day you see fraternities that are secular have massive boards that say Christ is Lord. Jesus is King. Rest in peace, Charlie. This campus has been deeply affected by him and all of Gen Z. The thing a lot of people don't understand is how Gen Z consumes media anymore. It's all clips. Charlie was everywhere. And even if you didn't agree with him, which a lot of people didn't um necessarily agree with him, but they kind of felt like they connected to him, they could understand his his positions, his angers. Um and so everybody who's in Gen Z is just um They felt like they knew him. And even now that he's dead, it's hard to believe anymore because you see so many clips of him and so many clips that are now like that are coming out right now are just some of his best moments. I didn't know that he was such um a professor of the faith and um it's apparent that he's a great man now. Well, we appreciate from Right Side Broadcasting Network, you sharing your thoughts this evening and joining this prayer vigil with your community and still people coming through tonight to stick together and to reflect on this beautiful evening. Can >> I say one more thing? You know, Charlie invited those he disagree with the most to the front of the line. And I think that's a very big image that in Christ's love for for all of those, you know, and I think that's a big image for us to look at and see that whether we disagree with them or not, invite them to the table, pray for them. Um cuz no matter what, the only thing that matters is showing the love of God. And if whether we disagree with you, whether we love you, no matter what, bring your troubles to the door. bring him to bring him to the feet of the cross. And um and I think Charlie really embodied Christ in the way of how you should live your life, how you should, you know, especially for young men, especially for young men, showing them, you know, marry young, you know, college is a scam. Um he was a big deal in me going straight from high school to to work to the workforce. And um but yeah, I just I think that's a big image is inviting those that disagree with him the most to the front to have a conversation because at the end of the day, freedom of speech isn't about exactly what you can say, but where you can say it and um and you have the freedom to say what you want, whenever you want, wherever you want. Yes. >> And this community standing strong in that, turning to God in the process because we know not everywhere in the world has those exact God-given rights bestowed from on high back in 1776 as we have now in 2025. Gentlemen, enjoy homecoming weekend. And our thoughts and prayers are with the entire community. >> God bless. >> God bless. Thank you. And as we close tonight and you still see all these wonderful people out here, including friends and family and police officer on hand. Thanks be to God for that. I'll just share something I actually did not get to share this week personally from what I put out on my own social media to say goodbye to Charlie in that process. [Music] And as I take just a moment to pull that up and gather my thoughts, Charlie Kirk was more than a boss. He was a dear friend of mine and someone who I will never forget and I will quite simply always remember. Some of the comfort I've received this week is simply reading your thoughts and prayers online as we now are grateful and joyful for the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk. It's grassroots humility, its persistent innovation, warrior spirit. No one embodied the values of Turning Point better than Charlie. A colleague of mine in the media mentioned that anyone fortunate enough to possess a microphone or be involved in American politics owes it to Charlie Kirk. At the risk of sounding repetitive, I'm one of those blessed individuals. All of this week, recordings to live broadcast, some of the most difficult I've done in my life. But now, as we're towards the tail end of that, some of the most rewarding as I smile thinking about my friend. In fact, my Tuesday Bible study focused on Philippians 4 as we heard from right here. and Brian Hollyand on Timothy and Leviticus and those books that inspired sacred scripture, the foundation of this great country. And like Jesus and his disciples, Charlie had that message of peace. He had that message of joy and prosperity with a message of hope. He had a larger than-l life presence. He was truly someone with all of the components to make the difference in the ever evolving culture wars. We were just a couple of kids from Chicago, Illinois who wanted to make a difference and he inspired all of us with a happy warrior outlook. I'm missing our private conversations, our shared love for the Chicago Cubs who honored him earlier today at their game, and for the countless memories traversing America's college campuses, including right here at Auburn University. Our deepest condolences and prayers are with Erica, his children, and the entire Kirk family. Thank you to my dear friend Charlie Kirk for all of the memories and for the fight. And as you mentioned, we're just getting started. You always said that and we'll take it from here, my dear friend. Eternal rest grant under Cha Charles James Kirk. Oh Lord, may perpetually shine him on him and may he rest in peace and may God bless the United States of America. Good night from Auburn University.