GOP’s Dush, Langerholc join hundreds at Penn State vigil to honor Charlie Kirk

UNIVERSITY PARK — Hundreds of Penn State students and community members gathered on the Old Main lawn Thursday evening for a candlelight vigil honoring Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist who was shot and killed a day earlier while speaking at a Utah university.

Kirk, 31, was the founder of Turning Point USA and a close ally of President Donald Trump. He last visited Penn State in September 2024, where he held an open-air dialogue with students, distributed red “Make America Great Again” hats, and addressed a large crowd while Turning Point staff registered more than 400 voters.

During that visit, student protesters carried signs reading “Shut down racists” and “Defund hate speech.” The event was further disrupted when Penn State officials cut power to Kirk’s microphone, citing university rules that prohibit amplified sound during the day. Still, Kirk continued speaking directly to the crowd and posed for photos with supporters.

Many of those same supporters returned Thursday night, holding candles as they prayed for Kirk and his family.

“He lived by what he believed, and I respect that,” said one student wearing a MAGA cap signed by Kirk. “He’s a family man, and that mattered to me.”

The vigil, which lasted about half an hour, was organized jointly by Penn State’s College Republicans and the university’s Turning Point USA chapter. It followed a previously scheduled 9/11 memorial service.

At Old Main, framed photos of Kirk from past Penn State visits were placed between American flags lowered to half-staff, while a crowd too large for the fold-up chairs spread across the lawn.

The evening began with musical renditions of “America the Beautiful” and “Amazing Grace” before turning to reflections on Kirk’s legacy.

State Sen. Cris Dush, R-25, told the crowd: “We have to grieve, but we also have a responsibility to stand up and finish the work that Charlie has done.”

Dush and other speakers urged students to carry forward Kirk’s mission and to “fight through words,” not violence.

State Sen. Wayne Langerholc, R-35, also attended the vigil and spoke to students and attendees.

Tristin Kilgore, president of the College Republicans, said Kirk gave young conservatives the confidence to be open about their views. “He made people feel safe to speak up and to get involved in politics,” Kilgore said. “That’s why you’re seeing so many come out tonight.”

“Charlie encouraged dialogue, even with people who didn’t agree with us,” Kilgore added. “That’s what I’ll carry forward — that energy to keep students engaged and willing to talk.”

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