Utah County Republican Party hosts virtual vigil after Utah Valley University shooting that killed Charlie Kirk

Christy, an organizer with the Utah County Republican Party, convened a virtual vigil to mourn the killing of Charlie Kirk and to offer support to students, parents and community members who witnessed the violence at Utah Valley University.

The gathering featured short remarks from Congressman Mike Kennedy, Mayor Dave Young, Senator Plumb, reporters who were on the scene and behavioral‑health clinicians. Speakers shared first‑hand recollections, urged rejection of political violence and described trauma reactions seen among young people who were present. Organizers said they will post mental‑health resources on the party’s website.

The meeting opened with a prayer and brief remarks from Christy, who read the party’s statement offering “healing and peace for all those affected.” She framed the event as a nonpartisan space for the community to grieve and emphasized that the need for support crossed political lines.

“Targeted political violence has no place in our democracy,” Senator Plumb said, reading a written statement. “No American should fear for their safety when exercising their First Amendment rights.” Plumb, who identified herself in the event as a physician, described trauma responses she’s seen in patients and urged people to be kind to themselves and to seek support.

“Nothing about this defines who we are,” Mayor Dave Young said, describing a candlelight vigil in his city he estimated drew “500 to 600 people.” “We completely reject violence,” he added, and said the community must continue civil debate.

Congressman Mike Kennedy called the shooting “reprehensible” and said the alleged shooter “will be brought to justice,” while urging attendees not to let violence silence public debate. “We will continue to debate the issues of the day in a civil fashion and reject violence and promote our constitutional freedoms, freedom of speech,” Kennedy said.

Emma Pitts, a Deseret News reporter who said she had been near the rally tent, described the crowd’s immediate reaction when the shot rang out. “I had strangers hugging me and telling me it was okay,” she said, advising those affected to lean on memories of help and kindness as they process the trauma.

Deanna Holland, who said she was at the rally with her three children and identified herself as the Utah director of a pro‑life organization, recounted searching for a son who had been near the front of the line. She described being reassured that a woman in a Church of Satan T‑shirt had guided the boy to safety and told him, “Stay by this car. It’s okay.” Holland said that scene — strangers helping one another — has been central to her family’s healing.

Several clinicians on the call offered immediate coping advice. Dr. Evan Coats, who identified himself as a doctor of behavioral health, warned against comparing one person’s trauma to another’s and urged empathy: “Let’s not compare trauma,” he said. He and other mental‑health speakers recommended routine, social connection, short‑term distraction techniques (several cited evidence about playing Tetris after trauma) and professional help for those whose symptoms persist.

Organizers closed the event by encouraging people to avoid social‑media sensationalism, to support one another and to use local resources. Christy said the host group will post links and mental‑health resources on its website for those seeking counseling and advice.

There were no formal votes or policy actions at the vigil. The event functioned as a community response and resource briefing following the shooting at Utah Valley University.