‘Charlie’s sacrifice’: Hundreds gather in Las Vegas to pray for slain activist — PHOTOS

As authorities announced the arrest of a suspect in the public assassination of Charlie Kirk, people of all ages gathered at UNLV on Friday to memorialize the conservative activist, who had spoken on campus within the past year.

Each entrance to Valerie Pida Plaza, directly outside the university’s student union and the site of the vigil, was guarded by campus police, Metropolitan Police Department officers, or SWAT team members. Just before the event began, a helicopter circled overhead while additional law enforcement personnel monitored from the rooftops of nearby buildings.

Dozens of people, some carrying American flags and candles, gathered in the courtyard, sitting before a memorial of photos, flowers, and cards for the family arranged at the center.

“Though we mourn the loss of one, his legacy will shake generations and keep this nation alive,” said Pastor Gregg Seymour, who leads Calvary Red Rock Church in Summerlin and spoke at the vigil. “God bless Charlie Kirk. Charlie’s fight is now our fight to continue.”

Kirk, a close ally of President Donald Trump, was assassinated on Wednesday while speaking on social issues in a Utah Valley University courtyard. On Friday morning, authorities arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, of Utah, who they said was responsible for the shooting and had previously expressed opposition to Kirk’s viewpoints.

UNLV’s interim president, Chris Heavey, issued a statement on Wednesday stating that Kirk’s killing was a threat to higher education.

“We have all benefited from our ability to freely debate ideas, especially on college campuses that were created for just that purpose,” Heavy wrote in part. “Charlie Kirk visited UNLV in October 2024, and thankfully, on that day, it was peaceful. (Wednesday’s) tragedy could have long-term consequences for everyone wanting to engage in a peaceful and vigorous debate on college campuses.”

Robinson is believed to have acted alone, and the investigation is ongoing, Utah Governor Spencer Cox said during a press conference.

At the end of Friday’s ceremony, representatives with the Nevada Youth Coalition encouraged the students who attended to get involved in campus activism. The UNLV chapter of Turning Point USA, the nonprofit that Kirk founded, is expected to hold its own vigil on Monday.

A representative from Turning Point told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that UNLV counseling and psychological services staff will be present at the event, offering students grief and crisis counseling.

‘Charlie’s sacrifice’

On Thursday night, dozens assembled to honor slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a candlelight vigil in the central Las Vegas Valley.

The Nevada Republican Club and the Young Republicans organized the ceremony, which featured prayers, scripture readings and tributes to Kirk’s character. The event filled every seat at the state club’s regional office, on Rancho Drive near West Bonanza Road, with dozens more people packed into the standing area.

Kirk, a close ally of President Donald Trump, was assassinated on Wednesday while speaking on social issues in a Utah Valley University courtyard. As of Thursday night, authorities reported the shooter remained at large.

“The last 24 hours have been very difficult for many of us who have gotten to know him because he was such a bright light, and he was not one of those leaders who were untouchable,” said Pauline Ng Lee, president of the Nevada Republican Club. “He was very accessible to everyone of all ages, and he was always ready to talk to anyone. He’s one of those amazing leaders that we will never find.”

Lee, who said she had first gotten to know Kirk at a dinner, described him as having a sly sense of humor, courageous and God-fearing. She noted that Kirk was 31 years old when he died, which is the same age as her oldest son.

“This was an intentional murder of an individual just because of his opinions and because of his ability and desire to talk to people. Don’t we want to talk to people more and have a common dialogue?” Lee asked.

Justin Barrows, a Nevada native and high school field representative for Kirk’s nonprofit organization, Turning Point USA, said Thursday that Kirk gave him purpose when he brought him on as the company’s youngest hiree.

“He showed me that standing up for what you believe in isn’t just an option, it’s a responsibility. It’s a duty,” Barrows said. “Charlie’s sacrifice, his endless hours on the road, the criticisms he endured, the weight he carried, proved that what we’re doing here matters. I can still hear his voice telling us not to give up, not to grow silent or to be complacent.”

A representative with the UNLV chapter of Kirk’s nonprofit organization told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that, for safety and security reasons, all of the club’s student events had been suspended until further notice. They said that the national organization would “remain dark” until Monday, allowing the Kirk family time to grieve.

Meanwhile, Las Vegas-based Station Casinos also paid respect to Kirk on memorial signs outside the properties. At Sunset Station in Henderson on Wednesday evening, a marquee sign in front of the casino resort read “In loving memory of Charlie Kirk, 1993-2025.”

A Station Casinos spokesman said the signs were also up at Green Valley Ranch Resort, Red Rock Resort, Durango, Palace Station, Santa Fe Station and Boulder Station.

Contact Akiya Dillon at adillon@reviewjournal.com. Review-Journal staff writer Bryan Horwath and staff photographer Madeline Carter contributed to this report.