Kirk's Death Spurs Nationwide Memorials, Free-Speech Debate

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot while speaking at a college event in Utah on Sept. 10, prompting nationwide memorials and prayer vigils including a packed service in Glendale, Arizona. His widow, Erika Kirk, has been named chair of Turning Point USA and will lead the organization. The killing has intensified a national debate over free speech, with officials and institutions in some states — notably Texas — moving to punish students and teachers accused of celebrating the shooting. Attorney General Pam Bondi, Vice President J.D. Vance and other Republican officials have called for prosecutions, visa revocations or employment consequences, and the administration is reportedly preparing policy responses. Supporters and conservative leaders say Kirk's organizing energized a generation of students, while media and commentators remain sharply divided over the public reaction and memorials.