Arizona State University officials say a memorial vigil in honor of conservative activist Charlie Kirk will continue as scheduled Sept. 15, but with a new indoor location.
Claims that the school was not cooperating with its student groups are untrue, university officials said, and the event will take place at Desert Financial Arena at no cost to students or their organizations.
“All reports that Charlie Kirk vigil was not proceeding or that student groups were being charged are false,” ASU spokesperson Jay Thorne said in a statement to The Arizona Republic.
The president of College Republicans at ASU, Troy Holderby, said on social media on Sept. 12 that the university was trying to “force” the group into a venue that was much larger than the original space, Hayden Lawn. Holderby cited concerns about possible high costs to his group. Desert Financial Arena is much more expansive and can accommodate about 14,000 people. The facility typically hosts graduation ceremonies, concerts and other large events.
Thorne said the venue was changed to “facilitate crowd size and for security.”
Holderby, whose group is cohosting the event with the ASU chapter of Turning Point USA, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The vigil will have a clear bag policy in effect and on-site security personnel.
Charlie Kirk: Memorial service to be held at State Farm Stadium on Sept. 21
Kirk was shot and killed on Sept. 10 at Utah Valley University during a stop for “The American Comeback Tour.” Kirk had grown to be a major figure in conservative politics across college campuses and among young people over the last decade. Many students across Arizona’s college campuses, where Kirk frequented, have responded with shock and sorrow.
Republican Sen. Jake Hoffman said in a post on X on Sept. 12 that ASU officials were “sabotaging” the student-led event. The post had since been widely shared.
ASU professor Owen Anderson, who serves as the faculty adviser for the school’s Turning Point USA chapter, told The Republic on Sept. 12 that an ASU dean of students had reached out following Kirk’s death to offer the group support.
“I am very happy to see ASU honor Charlie Kirk in this way,” Anderson wrote in a text to the Republic about the new plans for next week’s vigil.
Doors for the event will open at 4:30 p.m.
Helen Rummel covers higher education for The Arizona Republic. Reach her at hrummel@azcentral.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @helenrummel.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Student-led vigil for Charlie Kirk will continue at no cost, ASU says