A towering display of patriotism now marks the spot where Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk was assassinated last week.
At Utah Valley University, a massive American flag has been unfurled at the site of the fatal shooting, serving as both a memorial and a symbolic tribute to the 31-year-old conservative activist.
Fox News correspondent Matt Finn shared an image of the flag on X, writing: “A large American flag was placed above Charlie Kirk site at Utah Valley University.”
The tribute comes as thousands of supporters nationwide continue to mourn Kirk’s death. Known for his high-profile advocacy among young conservatives, Kirk was gunned down during the first stop of his “American Comeback Tour” — an event that was expected to draw large crowds across multiple states.
Plans for a public memorial are already underway, with a celebration of Kirk’s life scheduled for next Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Arizona. Former President Donald Trump, one of Kirk’s closest political allies, is expected to attend.
For many, the unfurling of the flag stands as a visual reminder of both the tragedy and the enduring impact of Kirk’s movement — one that has surged in momentum since his assassination, with tens of thousands seeking to join or start new TPUSA chapters.
NewsNation correspondent Alex Caprariello also shared a photo of the tribute, noting: “A massive American flag now hangs at the exact spot where Charlie Kirk was assassinated less than a week ago at Utah Valley University.”
The flag appeared as Utah Valley University reopened its campus Monday, following a four-day shutdown in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
According to KSL-TV, staff members returned to work ahead of classes, which are scheduled to resume Wednesday. The university had closed its doors from Sept. 11 to Sept. 14 after Kirk, 31, was fatally shot during a student event he was hosting in the campus courtyard.
University officials said virtual town halls were held Monday to help staff process the tragedy.
Braden Powell, an employee in UVU’s IT department, told reporters he felt compelled to return in person.
“It’s been difficult, but I wanted to come back today,” Powell said. “They say go back to the scene of an accident or something to help you process it and get over it.”
Powell added that seeing the newly raised memorial helped bring some comfort. “It was really nice coming into campus and seeing this memorial. I thought it was a good chance to just, kind of, pay my respects before I go work on campus.”
He recalled attending Kirk’s Sept. 10 event, describing it as fitting for the conservative activist’s message. “I thought it was fun to have the event hosted in such a hub … because that’s what Charlie stood for, was like, he wanted everybody there.”
The grassy courtyard where Kirk’s table had been set up is now covered in concrete. Above it hangs the massive American flag, draped as a lasting tribute.
“I think it would be fitting to do something … a memorial, a statue [or] a plaque, something dedicated to Charlie and to the idea of free speech,” said Braden Powell, a UVU staffer who attended Kirk’s final event.
Charlie Kirk, 31, was shot in the neck last Wednesday during a student Q&A session, in what investigators have classified as a political assassination.
Authorities have arrested Tyler James Robinson, 22, of Washington, Utah, following a day-and-a-half manhunt. Robinson is now facing murder charges and the possibility of the death penalty.
According to multiple media reports, Robinson had been dating and living with another man who identifies as transgender. Law enforcement officials stated that Robinson confessed the killing to family members and left DNA evidence at the scene.
A public memorial service for Kirk is scheduled for Sept. 21 at State Farm Stadium, home of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals.
