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OREM, Utah – In the wake of the assassination of Charlie Kirk, supporters among the student community are resolute in their commitment to championing the free speech rights Kirk advocated. Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, has become a symbol of the ongoing battle for expression in the face of violence.
On Thursday, two college students, cousins Anthony and McKinley Shinkle, shared their perspectives with Fox News Digital. They emphasized their determination to remain unfazed by the violent act that targeted Kirk.
“Violence never benefits those who employ it, especially in such a cruel manner. We want to highlight that intimidation will not silence us. We stand bold and unafraid,” McKinley asserted.
Despite not attending the event where Kirk was shot, the Shinkle cousins positioned themselves as strong advocates for Kirk’s message of free speech and traditional values.
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Anthony echoed his cousin’s sentiment, stressing the importance of free speech. He mentioned how Kirk’s principles of free expression and family values have profoundly influenced his life.
“Charlie Kirk’s videos shaped my views growing up. It is outrageous that someone could be murdered for engaging in civil discourse. If they felt justified in killing him, they might target anyone who shares his views,” Anthony stated.
By holding placards reading messages such as “Charlie Kirk, American Hero” and “We Are Not Afraid,” the Shinkle cousins aimed to transform the narrative of violence into a declaration of resilience.
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Students attending the campus event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday expressed a mixture of reverence for America’s dedication to free speech and shock at how violence abruptly disrupted this principle.
One international student, Laura Lo, shared her enthusiasm for what she viewed as a unique aspect of American culture. “Being able to debate peacefully and voice different opinions is vital,” she said.
However, that sense of security evaporated momentarily after the gunfire erupted.
“At first, I thought it was a firecracker, having never heard a gunshot before. The experience was surreal,” Lo recounted.
Many students recalled chaos and fear as they processed the reality of the shooting.
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“We only recognized the gravity of the situation when we saw people ducking. The noise left my heart racing,” remarked Tiana Tao, another student present during the incident.
In the aftermath, students found themselves seeking refuge in a classroom, sharing fears while calling family and exchanging differing accounts of who had been harmed.
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As students scrutinized the security measures in place, a cloud of uncertainty loomed over their campus experience.
“There was no inspection of bags. No security presence near the entrance. If we could enter freely, then anyone could as well. With the return to campus, my feelings of safety have diminished. The trauma has lingered more than I expected,” Tao expressed.
This incident left many students, especially those from abroad, questioning the previously idealized image of American political discourse as a bastion of free expression.
“This was my first experience participating in such an event. Following this event, I will likely approach discussions about politics in public with a greater sense of trepidation,” Lo observed.
Nevertheless, Tao shared gratitude for the situation not being worse than it could have been.
“I’m truly thankful there was not a second gunshot. It could have been far more tragic,” she reflected.
The events surrounding Kirk’s assassination and the students’ response highlight a pivotal moment in the discourse on free speech and safety on college campuses. As the community rallies together in support of Kirk’s cause, they underscore a collective commitment to uphold the values of expression amidst adversity.
