Utah Valley University President Discusses Free Speech and Healing After Charlie Kirk's Assassination

<p>PROVO, Utah — A year after Charlie Kirk was assassinated in the central courtyard at Utah Valley University, school officials announced the campus will be closed for the day. The new president, Dr. Jon Anderson, revealed that his daughters were present at the scene during the incident and expressed a commitment to fostering free speech in higher education.</p><p>Dr. Anderson, who took office just before the fall 2026 semester, was serving as president of Pennsylvania Western University when Kirk was shot and killed on September 10, 2025. He stated that his family has connections to Utah.</p><p>Anderson recounted receiving the news from his wife, mentioning, "I had two daughters and a son-in-law, they were about 10 yards from the assassination when it happened. And so I knew that our future would be tied to it in one way or the other." He expressed a desire to help the institution heal and move forward, noting the resilience of the community.</p><p>As students, faculty, and staff process the trauma of Kirk's assassination, Anderson announced the campus closure on September 10, the one-year anniversary. He emphasized the importance of empathy as individuals navigate their healing processes.</p><p>While the university is not hosting an official event, Turning Point USA plans to hold a memorial on campus. Anderson stated, "We want people to have their own space to heal in their own way," and confirmed that the university supports this initiative.</p><p>Kirk, a founder of Turning Point USA, was speaking at an event organized by its UVU chapter when he was killed. The memorial is scheduled for September 10 at 6:30 p.m. MT at UVU's UCCU Center.</p><p>Regarding a potential permanent memorial, Anderson indicated that discussions are ongoing among board members and students to determine the best approach, although he could not provide a timeline for its completion.</p><p>Anderson reiterated the university's commitment to being politically neutral while providing a platform for diverse viewpoints. He stated, "We don't jump in the fray, but we host the frays," aiming to create an environment for civil dialogue and debate.</p><p>Kirk's suspected assassin, 23-year-old Tyler Robinson, has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is scheduled to return to court on October 23, where a trial date may be set. If convicted of aggravated murder, he could face the death penalty.</p><p>Kirk was 31 years old and had two children at the time of his death.</p>