- Kaitlin Griffiths, Turning Point USA chapter president at Utah State University, expressed devastation over Charlie Kirk's death.
- Griffiths established the chapter with the aim of hosting Kirk on campus.
- The chapter has planned a vigil for Kirk on Friday to honor his legacy.
LOGAN — While Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at Utah Valley University, the loss is also impacting students to the north at Utah State University, where he was set to make a stop on his American Comeback tour on Sept. 30.
"I'm just devastated," Kaitlin Griffiths, Turning Point USA chapter president at USU, said. "Devastated for him, his family and his two beautiful children and his wife."
Much like many other young followers of Kirk, Griffiths said she was drawn to his ability to speak plainly and confidently about conservative principles. As a Christian, she said his message resonated with her.
"I've always had an interest in politics, and I always have known that this is the greatest country in the world," Griffiths said. "And when I saw somebody going around to college campuses, saying all of the things that I believe, I just was drawn to his organization; it promotes pro-family values, limited government (and) the freedom of speech, just all of those amazing things that I love about our country."
It was impactful enough that Griffiths worked to establish the Turning Point USA chapter on the USU campus, in part with the aim to host Kirk at the school.
"I was reached out to by some people at Turning Point USA, and they said, 'Hey, if you can get that chapter established and up and running enough, and talk to administration for us, to get Charlie Kirk invited, then he will come to Utah State,'" Griffiths recalled.
Her efforts were successful, but everything changed quickly Wednesday.
"It's just absolutely unimaginable that somebody would think that it's OK to take somebody's life," Griffiths said. "I don't think anybody deserves to die over saying things that they believe in."
Amid the darkness of Kirk's assassination, however, Griffiths said she's seeing signs that his legacy will continue, as her local chapter prepares to host a vigil in memory of Kirk on Friday at 8 p.m. in USU's quad.
"I've been reached out to by so many other organizations on campus," Griffiths said. "So many people, asking if there's anything they can do to help with that event. So many people are interested and ready. I'm ready to, carry on his legacy."
