PennWest students share grief, faith at Charlie Kirk memorial

Several speakers reflected on the message he brought to the political arena.

The Rev. Dr. Todd Rutherford of California Baptist speaks during a candlelight ceremony and prayer at Sunday’s vigil for Charlie Kirk at the flagpoles near Dixon Hall. Jeff Helsel / Mon Valley Independent
Church

Alexis Wieland wants to help make sure that the mission that defined Charlie Kirk’s life continues long after his shocking death.

Wieland, a junior at Penn-West California, organized a memorial for the Turning Point USA founder that was held on campus Sunday evening. She is working with other students to get recognition for a TPUSA chapter at the university.

Held in front of the flag poles near Dixon Hall, the event featured several speakers, prayers and a candlelight remembrance with a police presence surrounding the area.

Wieland told the crowd that they have to have hard conversations, truly listen to one another, grieve with hope and honor Kirk with faith, love and courage.

“We’re here tonight to not mourn the loss of a father, brother, son, friend, believer and mentor, but to remember the legacy that he left behind,” Wieland said through tears. “We remem- ber a life led by overwhelming faith, courage, conviction and unshakable belief in freedom. Charlie lived with fire knowing that freedom was not man’s invention, but God’s gift.”

Kirk, a strong advocate for conservative causes and Christian principles, was assassinated at a Sept. 10 appearance at Utah Valley University.

Tyler Robinson, 22, is charged with the killing and could face the death penalty if convicted.

Senior student Randall Molek, who is the president of the Turning Point chapter, said Kirk had a monumental effect on him and countless others in his generation. He added that news reports since the incident have bombarded conservatives — mischaracterizing and dehumanizing them.

“We do not look at other people that view us differently as other humans who saw things differently, but enemies that need to be eliminated, and this is something that is not a one-party issue,” Molek said. “Both sides have done it in their own ways. Some with violence, some with words and we unfortunately saw how that climaxed last week.”

State Rep. Bud Cook, R-West Pike Run Township, spoke at Sunday’s event and stated that he struggled with the message he wanted to deliver.

He asked the audience to point at him and say “Representative, fix this,” and for everybody to keep their mouths shut and ears and eyes open to listen to other people.

“Why did this happen to Charlie? We don’t get to deal with the cards in life,” Cook said. “We only get to play the cards we dealt. This bad thing is what we turn around and make of it. We are at a tipping point. I have never seen the environment that it is, politically, in 60 years.”

Rev. Dr. Todd Rutherford of California Baptist Church, who gave the first remarks and prayers, said Kirk was an “awesome Christian” who spoke the truth. He told the crowd that Kirk is now in heaven.

“Stand up for the truth. Let no one silence you,” Rutherford said. “We are hard-core Christians to the bone, and I will not be silenced. This is what the world needs to hear. This world is in a wacky situation. We need to get together for a peaceful solution. Justice and mercy belong to God.”

Pastor Brian Higbee of City Church of Connellsville also led a prayer for Kirk.

Along with PennWest students, there were a lot of older residents and their families who came out for the event.

Laura Huff said the last 11 days have been sobering and she said she cannot imagine the sadness and courage Kirk’s wife, Erika, has shown as she takes over as the new leader of Turning Point USA.

Joe Augustine, a PennWest graduate and California resident, said he was at the event as a human being and acknowledged that people around him may not lean the same way politically. He came out to honor Kirk, even though he said he doesn’t agree with some of Kirk’s messages.

“My next-door neighbors, they are Democrats, and you know what? I love them,” Augustine said. “I don’t tell them that, but I do because they are human beings and they have the same right as I do to be here today and speak their mind. It’s all about respect. Have a decent conversation. Let’s look at each other’s sides.”