Scott Sperry jotted his name down on a sign-up sheet. The 22-year-old student at Utah Valley University had watched Charlie Kirk's videos for years and credits the conservative firebrand with being a catalyst in his own political involvement. Moments after taking his front-row seat to see Kirk speak, Sperry watched in shock as a sniper bullet rang out and blood started pouring from Kirk's neck. As the immediate shock of the attack calms, some at Utah Valley University said it has been replaced with a deep sense of resolve to continue what Kirk began.

Students with various political ideologies expressed their personal responsibility to ensure healthy debates on college campuses continue. Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was known for touring college campuses to debate pressing social issues, drawing both fervent supporters and vocal dissenters. With branches at over 850 colleges, the organization has been instrumental in galvanizing younger voters, especially during Donald Trump’s presidential campaign.

The shooting has thrust Utah Valley University into the center of America’s political divide, with strong opinions surfacing in both support and dissent of Kirk's ideologies. This has galvanized students like McKinley Shinkle, who express a newfound drive to participate politically. Memorials have sprung up across campus as students show solidarity and determination to honor Kirk's legacy.

Jeb Jacobi, a sophomore involved with Turning Point USA, believes that the attack will only spur more engagement among students. In the aftermath, the campus atmosphere is charged, filled with signs that declare support for Kirk and emphasize the importance of free speech and debate. We owe it to Charlie, Sperry declared, echoing a sentiment felt throughout the student body as they rally to continue the dialogue Kirk fostered.