The Daily Gamecock

PHOTOS: USC’s Turning Point USA chapter hosts vigil for deceased founder Charlie Kirk

Students and community members gathered on Greene Street and in the Russell House Ballroom on Sept. 15, 2025, for a candlelight vigil hosted by the University of South Carolina’s Turning Point USA chapter. The event honored Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist who was shot and killed on Sept. 10, with prayers, speeches and moments of silence. Attendees held candles, raised flags and shared reflections in remembrance.

A memorial portrait of conservative activist Charlie Kirk hangs on the front of a podium in the Russell House Ballroom during a vigil hosted by USC's TPUSA chapter on Sept. 15, 2025. Kirk, who founded TPUSA, was shot and killed on Sept. 10 during a debate forum on a college campus in Utah.
A memorial portrait of conservative activist Charlie Kirk hangs on the front of a podium in the Russell House Ballroom during a vigil hosted by USC's TPUSA chapter on Sept. 15, 2025. Kirk, who founded TPUSA, was shot and killed on Sept. 10 during a debate forum on a college campus in Utah.
A student wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat bows her head during the vigil for Charlie Kirk in the Russell House Ballroom on Sept. 15, 2025. The vigil included speakers from the former and current executive board of USC's TPUSA chapter, who also organized the event.
A student wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat bows her head during the vigil for Charlie Kirk in the Russell House Ballroom on Sept. 15, 2025. The vigil included speakers from the former and current executive board of USC's TPUSA chapter, who also organized the event.
Attendees stand in silence during a vigil for Charlie Kirk in the Russell House Ballroom on Sept. 15, 2025. USC students and Columbia residents alike came together to honor the conservative activist and founder of TPUSA.
Attendees stand in silence during a vigil for Charlie Kirk in the Russell House Ballroom on Sept. 15, 2025. USC students and Columbia residents alike came together to honor the conservative activist and founder of TPUSA.
An attendee waves an American flag as the crowd gathers for a vigil honoring Charlie Kirk on Greene Street on Sept. 15, 2025. The USC chapter of Turning Point USA hosted the event and opened it to the community.
An attendee waves an American flag as the crowd gathers for a vigil honoring Charlie Kirk on Greene Street on Sept. 15, 2025. The USC chapter of Turning Point USA hosted the event and opened it to the community.
Students and community members raise their phone flashlights during the vigil for Charlie Kirk on Greene Street on Sept. 15, 2025. After the speaking event in Russell House, attendees shuffled out to Greene Street to a makeshift vigil to honor Kirk.
Students and community members raise their phone flashlights during the vigil for Charlie Kirk on Greene Street on Sept. 15, 2025. After the speaking event in Russell House, attendees shuffled out to Greene Street to a makeshift vigil to honor Kirk.
A participant lifts a wooden cross, while others wave flags during the vigil for Charlie Kirk on Greene Street on Sept. 15, 2025. Music played as people joined in prayer to honor the founder of Turning Point USA.
A participant lifts a wooden cross, while others wave flags during the vigil for Charlie Kirk on Greene Street on Sept. 15, 2025. Music played as people joined in prayer to honor the founder of Turning Point USA.
A group of students hang onto each other during the vigil for Charlie Kirk on Greene Street on Sept. 15, 2025. In addition to USC students, many Columbia residents and members of the community attended the vigil.
A group of students hang onto each other during the vigil for Charlie Kirk on Greene Street on Sept. 15, 2025. In addition to USC students, many Columbia residents and members of the community attended the vigil.
Two attendees hold candles together in remembrance of Charlie Kirk at a vigil on Greene Street on Sept. 15, 2025. Members of the USC chapter of Turning Point USA gave out candles to attendees.
Two attendees hold candles together in remembrance of Charlie Kirk at a vigil on Greene Street on Sept. 15, 2025. Members of the USC chapter of Turning Point USA gave out candles to attendees.
Students chant "USA" and raise their fists while holding candles during a vigil for Charlie Kirk on Greene Street on Sept. 15, 2025. A passerby shouted profanities against Kirk moments beforehand.
Students chant "USA" and raise their fists while holding candles during a vigil for Charlie Kirk on Greene Street on Sept. 15, 2025. A passerby shouted profanities against Kirk moments beforehand.
A single candle burns in honor of Charlie Kirk during the vigil on Greene Street on Sept. 15, 2025. The USC chapter of Turning Point USA, the organization Kirk founded, handed out candles to attendees outside.
A single candle burns in honor of Charlie Kirk during the vigil on Greene Street on Sept. 15, 2025. The USC chapter of Turning Point USA, the organization Kirk founded, handed out candles to attendees outside.