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Rutgers students mourn the death of Charlie Kirk with vigil

A vigil and commemoration were held on Wednesday evening at the Douglass Student Center in New Brunswick.

Jill Croce

Sep 17, 2025, 10:28 PM

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Wednesday marked a week since Charlie Kirk, an ally of President Donald Trump and Turning Point USA founder, was assassinated at a college event in Utah.

The outpouring of support and mourning hasn't slowed down locally, including through Rutgers University's Turning Point USA chapter. A vigil and commemoration were held on Wednesday evening at the Douglass Student Center in New Brunswick.

The media wasn't permitted inside for the event, but there appeared to be a good turnout with campus police on site.

Rutgers senior Aiden Demarsey said he was shocked when he heard the news of Kirk’s death. He said that he knew about the conservative activist’s presence online.

“Spoke about issues he cared about. I think that's something we should all be able to do, regardless of what it is that we believe," said Demarsey. "Seeing somebody die for that, it's just really impactful, you know, and I think it tells us where we are in our country."

Whether someone agreed or disagreed with Kirk's views, the student says his digital presence was hard to ignore.

Kirk's Instagram page has over 12 million followers.

Utah resident Tyler Robbinson, 22, was charged with capital murder in relation to Kirk’s death.

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