Cox Declares “Charlie Kirk Day” as Utah Turning Point Chapters Honor Fallen Activist

On what would have been his 32nd birthday, hundreds of students and community leaders gathered in Utah’s State Capitol to commemorate Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, whose life was cut tragically short by assassination just over a month earlier.

A Day of Remembrance

The Capitol Rotunda in Salt Lake City swelled with attendees dressed in formal attire, united in purpose and reflection. The event was both somber and celebratory — a promise that Kirk’s ideals would endure.
Students, activists, and public officials took turns paying tribute to Kirk’s influence and urging that his mission continue through a new generation of engaged youth.

Political Recognition in Utah

In a move that underscores his impact, Governor Spencer Cox officially declared the date “Charlie Kirk Day” in Utah. His statement reflected admiration for Kirk’s commitment to free speech, principled dialogue, and civic engagement.
Earlier the same day, former President Donald Trump posthumously awarded Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, further cementing his standing among conservative circles.

At BYU’s Turning Point chapter, demand for membership surged as students expressed deep motivation to carry forward Kirk’s vision. Nathan Neuhaus, the chapter’s outreach coordinator, noted the assassination had fueled renewed interest among young activists.
Aubree Hudson, the BYU chapter president, described Kirk as a man whose short life made a lasting impact:

Students Rally Around His Message

“A life that was taken way too soon … but a life that will never be forgotten.” KSL

Guests wore white T-shirts emblazoned with the word “Freedom,” mirroring the shirt Kirk wore when he was shot, and held them aloft in tribute.

Voices from Leadership

Utah’s House Speaker Mike Schultz framed the gathering as a step toward reclaiming faith, family, and America’s founding values. He emphasized that the “turning point” in American identity begins not in Washington but in local communities.
Representative Mike Kennedy encouraged students to embrace commitment, community, and continued activism — qualities Kirk often championed.

Attorneys and state officials, including Attorney General Derek Brown, suggested a bittersweet outcome to Kirk’s death: that it may galvanize a wave of youth political engagement.

A Movement Reignited

Jaxon Thurman, vice president of the BYU chapter, shared his personal connection: He had been at UVU on the day Kirk was murdered and had intended to introduce himself. The tragedy instead pushed him deeper into activism.

“I’m going to try to make it the biggest chapter in the nation … we’ve just been working our tails off ever since.” KSL