Close to 150 people attended a prayer vigil at UF's Plaza of the Americas to remember Turning Point USA founder and CEO Charlie Kirk on Thursday.
Sunlight faded as Jennifer Garcia placed a small picture frame in the grassy center of UF's Plaza of the Americas.
Students joined her adding bouquets of flowers and candles, creating a comforting yet somber atmosphere.
People slowly began to shuffle in, forming a circle around the photo. In their hands, they carried Bibles, rosaries and small cards reading "In loving memory of Charles James Kirk (1993 - 2025)."
Kirk was fatally shot while visiting Utah Valley University on Wednesday, the very first stop of his "American Comeback Tour."
Public outcry flooded social media after graphic videos of the event surfaced. Immediately going viral, they sparked fiery posts from both sides of the political spectrum.
Government officials, including Florida Representative Kat Cammack, and former NFL player and UF legend Tim Tebow posted about Kirk's passing.
Prior to the official confirmation of his death, President Donald Trump posted on X, "The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie."
As a prominent conservative activist, Kirk toured the United States participating in open discourse and heated debates with students on college campuses.
On Feb 27, hundreds of students gathered in UF's Plaza of the Americas to watch, listen and participate in his "Prove Me Wrong Tour."
On Thursday at 8 p.m., students met again in the Plaza, but this time to honor Kirk's life and legacy.
The vigil was organized and led by the Turning Point USA UF chapter.
"We mourn him, we grieve him but we know that the next steps are honoring his legacy and following in his footsteps," said chapter president Jennifer Garcia prior to the vigil.
As the crowd fell silent, Garcia stepped forward and thanked all those who had come. She shared Kirk's favorite Bible verse, Ephesians 6:13-16, and closed with a prayer for the Kirk family.
Although student-led, the event drew many local residents, much like his February visit.
"I can think of where he was set up and how happy everyone was," said Gainesville local Sheila Jacoby, as she recalled Kirk's last time in the plaza. "No one was being ugly, even when the questions started, it was pleasant."
To ensure safety on UF's campus, Garcia's No. 1 priority, she said she personally reached out to UFPD. Approximately six police cars and 10 officers were present, covering each corner of the plaza.
"We wanted to give the community a safe space to heal, speak and mourn," she said.
Fellow UF Turning Point USA members spoke, including field representative Noelle Mattiace.
With a shaky voice and eyes brimming with tears, Mattiace opened the floor to anyone who felt compelled to share their thoughts.
Within minutes, a line of people with eager voices ready to be heard formed behind the group.
Stephen McGovern, a 23-year-old Archer resident, proposed a new holiday: Charlie Kirk Day. He wished for it to be celebrated Oct. 14 on Kirk's birthday, to honor his legacy and advocacy for youth leadership.
"Something has been stirring in me since I heard the news," said McGovern. "When God stirs something inside you, you answer. That's why I spoke."
Almost 20 people shared their thoughts, and UF College Republicans president Michael Andre led a moment of silence for the lives lost on 9/11 24 years ago.
But as the crowd began to silence, 21-year-old Matt O'Hara approached the circle. Guitar-in-hand, he struck the first chord of "Amazing Grace."
The UF senior invited the crowd to worship with him and sing along. Students were swaying, holding hands, clutching their hearts and praying.
O'Hara moved on to sing "Holy Spirit You Are Welcome Here." Attendees flocked to join the line of speakers behind Garcia as tears continued to flow.
Just after 9 p.m., Mattiace thanked those who shared their sadness, grief, personal stories and hope for the future.
Before the vigil ended, a final chant of "U-S-A" rang out from the plaza.
And even on a predominantly left-leaning campus, where Charlie Kirk had previously been met with anger and discontent, it was a peaceful gathering and solemn night.
Copyright 2025 WUFT 89.1