Utah Valley University mourns Charlie Kirk as campus reopens after assassination: 'Extremely traumatic'

OREM, Utah – While a large American flag drapes where conservative influencer Charlie Kirk was assassinated on Utah Valley University's campus, students told Fox News Digital on Tuesday that campus feels "scary" and "somber."

"This is somewhere that we go to further our lives, and it could also be the place where it ends our lives," said James Whitney, a UVU student who told Fox News Digital that authorities "found the gun in my parents' backyard." 

According to suspect Tyler Robinson's charging documents, investigators found a "bolt-action rifle wrapped in a towel" in a wooded area on the northeast end of campus, but authorities have not confirmed the exact location. 

One week after Kirk was shot while taking questions from UVU students, classes on the Orem campus resumed Wednesday. As students return to campus to pay their respects to Kirk and go back to class, many are still processing what they describe as an "extremely traumatic" incident. 

CHARLIE KIRK'S KILLING AT UTAH UNIVERSITY PROMPTS SCRUTINY OF SECURITY MEASURES

Afton Miller, a UVU student who said she was 5 to 10 feet away from Kirk when he was shot, said to Fox News Digital as she was returning to the assassination site for the first time: "No one should ever be able to say I've witnessed a school shooting, let alone the assassination of one of your greatest heroes."

Kirk, 31, was shot and killed while speaking to UVU students last Wednesday, Sept. 10. After a 33-hour manhunt, 22-year-old Robinson was arrested. Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray outlined the formal charges against Robinson during a press conference on Tuesday, which was followed by the suspect's first court appearance. 

UTAH LEADERS URGE UNITY FOLLOWING CHARLIE KIRK'S ASSASSINATION: 'TURNING POINT FOR AMERICA'

A memorial that began in the days following the shooting with sparse bouquets and a few signs honoring Kirk outside campus has now filled an entire patch of grass outside campus. And inside campus, just steps from where Kirk was shot, more tributes have grown by the day as students and locals walk solemnly through the courtyard to pay their respects. 

UVU student Jessie Ball told Fox News Digital that she has witnessed her friends and classmates, including those who are atheists, return to prayer in the days following the assassination. UVU is hosting a campus and community-wide vigil on Friday to "come together in remembering, healing, and reaffirming shared values."

"A lot of people like myself, who are kind of afraid of speaking up, we've gotten over that a little because we think that his messages were important to hear," Ball said of Kirk as she held back tears. 

Ryder Warner, a UVU student who was on campus when Kirk was shot, said "just being on campus is hard for everybody."

"I think it's especially hard because some people were cheering, and it just really brings your mood down," he said. "You lose confidence in this country."

"I don't think anybody should be killed over their opinion," Warner added. 

When asked his opinion of Kirk's politics, a source of much debate since last Wednesday, Whitney told Fox News Digital that he tries to stay out of politics because "this is usually what ends up happening."

He said he opts to keep his political views to himself because political violence is "becoming normalized," and when people don't agree, "they try to take it out on everybody else."

Trae Stevens, who grew up in Spanish Fork, which is about a one-hour drive south of campus, visited on Tuesday to pay his respects, because "to see that this could happen so close to home is really scary."

"Like Charlie said, silence creates violence," Stevens said. "I think it's important to address emotions before we address dialogue and policies because, ultimately, that's what drives things like this — emotions." 

Miller, who said Kirk was one of her heroes, said that through this tragedy, "we have to get closer to God and each other."

"There's a reason we were brought to this point, and there's a reason we're going to continue forward," she said. 

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Memphis coach takes swipe at Georgia football program over driving-related arrests

Memphis Tigers football coach Ryan Silverfield took a swipe at the Georgia Bulldogs on Monday over the program’s spate of driving incidents.

Silverfield spoke out holding his players accountable the day after their games during an appearance on the Memphis Tiger Network. He said, in his talks with his players, he has a segment called "not our standard."

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"We always start with a negative," he said, via On3 Sports. "And the 'not our standard' is, 'Georgia wide receiver arrested for driving 900 miles per hour over the speed limit.' That's a weekly occurrence. 

"So, that's one of those things we'll show. You know, this guy at the USFL got a DUI, this guy at this college was shooting a paintball gun."

The latest arrests within the Georgia football program came in March when wide receiver Nitro Tuggle was pulled over driving 107 mph, according to authorities in Georgia. Offensive lineman Marques Easley was reportedly involved in a vehicle crash as well.

Georgia was met with tragedy in January 2023 when offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy were killed in a crash that occurred while LeCroy and defensive tackle Jalen Carter were racing.

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Former Bulldogs running back Trevor Etienne missed the season opener in 2024 and cornerback Daniel Harris was held out of a game over driving-related arrests.

"We'll continue to look at these on a case-by-case basis," Bulldgos head coach Kirby Smart said in March, via the Athens Banner-Herald. "There's things that surround each one of these outside of just the immediate reaction is, 'How in the world can this happen again?' And I get that, but each one is a case-by-case basis. 

"You have to look at as these are your children. That's the way I look at it. I look (at) what I would do with my children and there's 18 to 19 to 20 year olds. They make mistakes. The consequences that come with those are based on a case-by-case basis. That's really what these two right now are doing."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Pentagon suspends Army colonel for celebrating Charlie Kirk's death

Army Col. Scott Stephens has been suspended from official duties after social media posts purportedly belonging to him celebrated the killing of Charlie Kirk, the Army told Fox News Digital. 

An Army spokesperson confirmed Stephens’ suspension and said there is an investigation underway into his conduct. Stephens could not be reached for comment by publication time.  

"The death of Charlie Kirk in Utah was tragic. However, we can take comfort in the fact that Charlie was doing what he loved best — spreading hate, racism, homophobia, misogyny, and transphobia on college campuses," one post read. 

CHARLIE KIRK'S FRIEND URGES MOURNERS TO 'GO BACK TO CHURCH' FOLLOWING ACTIVIST'S KILLING

"I would offer empathy, but Charlie hated empathy. As we have been told in the wake of so many other tragedies, we have to move on. We can’t make this political." 

The colonel, who was once commander of 1st Battalion, 4th Armor Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade, has fashioned himself as an anti-sexual assault crusader in the Army. 

In 2021, he told Task & Purpose he had long been part of the problem with sexual assault and its cover-ups in the Army. 

PENTAGON ANNOUNCES 'ZERO TOLERANCE' FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL MOCKING CHARLIE KIRK'S ASSASSINATION

"I’ve been guilty my whole life," he said.  "And I’d say within the last couple of years I’ve sort of come to terms with that. And I have personally chosen … to take this on in my latter years and try to be vocal … and try to drag some of my peers along." 

"I don’t think that I know a single woman in the Army who has not been harassed," Stephens said. "And I would be pretty hard-pressed to find a woman that I personally know that hasn’t been assaulted. And it’s devastating. These are my teammates. These are my sisters." 

The Pentagon announced last week it was tracking and "would address" active-duty personnel who had made public comments celebrating Kirk’s death. 

"It is unacceptable for military personnel and Department of War civilians to celebrate or mock the assassination of a fellow American. The Department of War has zero tolerance for it," Sean Parnell, assistant to the secretary of war for public affairs, chief Pentagon spokesman and senior advisor, declared in a post on X.

STATE DEPARTMENT WARNS IT WILL REVOKE VISAS OF FOREIGNERS WHO 'GLORIFY VIOLENCE' AFTER KIRK SHOOTING

"We are tracking all these very closely — and will address immediately. Completely unacceptable," Secretary Pete Hegseth added, sharing Parnell’s post.

On Saturday Army Reserves Maj. Bryan Bintliff, who went by "Bryan Harlow" on social media, was suspended after he allegedly wrote several posts cheering on the killing, the Daily Caller first reported. 

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"A monster died today," one post read. "It’s sad Charlie’s kids are traumatized for life, but it’s not a sad thing that he’s dead."

"Zero tolerance at the Department of War for those who celebrate or mock the assassination of fellow Americans," Parnell wrote on X, confirming the suspension. 

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Charlie Kirk assassination suspect under 'special watch' in custody, being kept in separate housing unit

Tyler Robinson, the suspect in custody for the assassination of Charlie Kirk, is being held under "special watch" until he completes a mental health evaluation, authorities said Sunday.

Robinson, 22, will remain on a special watch status in the Utah County Sheriff's Department special housing unit so that authorities can "keep a close eye on him" until officials can clear his mental health, the department said in a statement.

The process may take several days, the sheriff’s department said.

Once cleared, Robinson will continue with the classification process to determine where he will be housed while in custody.

DEATH PENALTY LOOMS FOR CHARLIE KIRK’S ACCUSED KILLER BUT LEGAL BAR IS HIGH AS TRUMP, COX MOUNT PRESSURE

"He will continue to be monitored by mental, medical, and custody staff throughout the duration of his stay," the sheriff’s department said.

The department noted that the "special watch" status is done for various reasons, including what type of crime a suspect is booked for, behavioral issues, violent behavior and suicidal comments made during the arrest.

The sheriff’s department said it has been made specifically aware of any suicidal comments or concerns regarding Robinson.

Robinson allegedly shot and killed Kirk, 31, on Wednesday at Utah Valley University. Kirk, a married father of two young children, was speaking to a crowd during a Turning Point USA event on the school’s campus in Orem.

FAMILY TURNS IN SUSPECT IN CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION, ‘ALMOST UNHEARD OF’: BEHAVIOR SPECIALIST

Robinson was arrested following a 33-hour manhunt.

A law enforcement source previously told Fox News Digital that Robinson’s father, who ultimately turned him in to authorities, told the FBI that he recognized his son from surveillance video images the FBI had released during the manhunt.

The source told Fox News Digital that when Robinson arrived at his father's home, he said he wanted to kill himself. The source told Fox News Digital that the father spoke with a minister the family knew before turning in his son.

Utah Gov. Brian Cox told ABC News on Sunday morning that Robinson was not cooperating with authorities while in custody.

"He has not confessed to authorities. He is not cooperating, but all the people around him are cooperating. And I think that's, that's, that's very important," Cox told ABC News.

The governor said that Robinson's family members and his romantic partner, a man who is transitioning from male to female, are cooperating with authorities. He added that those who know the 22-year-old say he was "deeply indoctrinated with leftist ideology."

Fox News' Alexandra Rego and Fox News Digital’s Brooke Singman and Anders Hagstrom contributed to this report.

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Turning Point USA says campus chapter requests surge to over 32,000 after Kirk's assassination

Turning Point USA has seen a massive surge in inquiries for new college chapters as the organization works to advance Charlie Kirk's vision following his assassination last week.

Andrew Kolvet, executive producer of The Charlie Kirk Show, said Sunday that in the past 48 hours, Turning Point USA (TPUSA) has received more than 32,000 inquiries from people wanting to start new campus chapters.

"To put that in perspective, TPUSA currently has 900 official college chapters and around 1,200 high school chapters, with a presence of 3,500 total," Kolvet, who is also a TPUSA spokesman, wrote on X.

SLEEPING GIANT’ LIKELY WOKE UP FOR TURNING POINT USA AFTER CHARLIE KIRK’S ASSASSINATION

"Charlie's vision to have a Club America chapter (our high school brand) in every high school in America (around 23,000) will come true much, much faster than he could have ever possibly imagined," Kolvet added, calling the response to expand Kirk's mission "truly incredible."

In a separate post, Kolvet wrote, "This is the Turning Point."

Kirk, was assassinated during an outdoor event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday afternoon. The event was the first in what was supposed to be a series called "American Comeback Tour."

Kirk, the charismatic 31-year-old founder of the conservative youth activist group, gained recognition for his signature political debates on college campuses. 

COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CHARLIE KIRK 

On Thursday evening, the second family escorted Kirk's casket and family from Utah to their home state of Arizona on Air Force Two. A video of the moment showed his wife Erika Kirk visibly emotional on the tarmac as the casket passed before her. The couple have two young children.

Kirk’s celebration of life ceremony is scheduled for next Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. President Donald Trump said he will attend Kirk's funeral. 

On Friday evening, Kirk's widow galvanized the TPUSA movement and vowed to carry on her husband’s mission.

'DARK MOMENT FOR AMERICA': TRUMP DECLARES KIRK'S VOICE 'BIGGER AND GRANDER' AFTER ASSASSINATION

"To everyone listening tonight across America, the movement my husband built will not die," Kirk said. "I refuse to let that happen. No one will ever forget my husband's name. And I will make sure of it. It will become stronger. Bolder. Louder and greater than ever," Kirk said.

She also said that TPUSA's annual "AmericaFest" conference in Phoenix this December will continue as scheduled.

Judah Waxelbaum, a former campus activist at Arizona State University for Republican causes, said that the assassination likely awoke a "sleeping giant" and will likely see an increase in members.

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"Turning Point's not going anywhere. Turning Point, I think, will probably actually get significantly larger in the wake of what happened to Charlie," he told Fox News Digital in an interview on Saturday, noting that "you couldn't do youth politics in Arizona, really anywhere in the United States without coming across Charlie Kirk."

"I wouldn't be surprised if they've woken up a sleeping giant," he added.

Fox News Digital's Cameron Arcand contributed to this report.

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Paramount rejects Israeli film boycott supported by Emma Stone, Joaquin Phoenix and nearly 4,000 others

After nearly 4,000 industry figures signed a pledge vowing not to work with Israeli film institutions, Paramount issued a statement rejecting the boycott on Thursday.

"At Paramount, we believe in the power of storytelling to connect and inspire people, promote mutual understanding, and preserve the moments, ideas, and events that shape the world we share. This is our creative mission," reads a statement issued by Paramount chief communications officer Melissa Zukerman.

"We do not agree with recent efforts to boycott Israeli filmmakers. Silencing individual creative artists based on their nationality does not promote better understanding or advance the cause of peace," the statement continued. "The global entertainment industry should be encouraging artists to tell their stories and share their ideas with audiences throughout the world. We need more engagement and communication — not less."

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As noted by Variety, Paramount is the first major film studio to condemn this widespread boycott of Israeli film institutions.

The organization Film Workers for Palestine published the pledge on Monday, including approximately 1,200 signatures from film industry figures at the time of publication.

Those who have signed the pledge declared that they will no longer work with Israeli organizations that are "implicated in genocide and apartheid against the Palestinian people."

JAVIER BARDEM TELLS ‘THE VIEW’ HE BELIEVES ISRAEL IS COMMITTING 'GENOCIDE' IN GAZA

According to the pledge statement, examples of complicity include "whitewashing or justifying genocide and apartheid, and/or partnering with the government committing them."

"Inspired by Filmmakers United Against Apartheid who refused to screen their films in apartheid South Africa, we pledge not to screen films, appear at or otherwise work with Israeli film institutions — including festivals, cinemas, broadcasters and production companies — that are implicated in genocide and apartheid against the Palestinian people," the pledge said.

The original list included 1,200 signatures as of last week, including Hollywood heavy hitters Emma Stone and Mark Ruffalo.

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Since then, the list has gained thousands of additional signatures, bringing the total to approximately 3,900 as of Wednesday.

Of those who have recently signed on to the pledge, some notable names include Andrew Garfield, Bowen Yang, Elliot Page and Joaquin Phoenix.

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Mötley Crüe's Vince Neil suffered stroke that left his entire left side paralyzed

Mötley Crüe frontman Vince Neil is opening up about the major health scare that put the band on hold.

Last Christmas, Neil suffered a stroke so severe his doctors didn't believe he'd be able to walk again, he told the Las Vegas Review-Journal in a new interview.

"I had a stroke," he explained. "My whole left side went out."

VINCE NEIL DELAYS MÖTLEY CRÜE'S LAS VEGAS RESIDENCY DUE TO ‘REQUIRED MEDICAL PROCEDURE’

The rocker said that when he went to bed on the night of Dec. 25, he felt fine. He woke up the next morning and went to get out of bed, but found that he wasn't able to do so.

"I had to learn to walk again, and that was tough," he told the outlet. "The doctors said they didn’t think I’d be able to go back on stage again. I go, ‘No, no, I’m gonna do it. Watch and see.’"

Neil said the first step of his recovery involved the band, saying, "Mötley canceled the first part of the (residency) so I could get better."

In March, Mötley Crüe pushed back dates of their Las Vegas residency to this fall, explaining that the change in schedule was "due to a required medical procedure recently advised by vocalist Vince Neil’s doctors."

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During that time, Neil focused on physical therapy, which he did from his Nashville home.

"I went from people carrying me to the bathroom, because I couldn’t walk myself, finally to a wheelchair," he said. "I graduated to a walker, and then I had a cane. Now I don’t need anything. But it’s like a full-time job getting back to where you feel good again."

He added, "It takes a while to get your brain to start moving your legs, for them to do what your brain wants to do. You try to walk but it doesn’t come out right."

Neil said his recovery, which later involved working out with a football coach and "a lot of running," has been "tough," but he's doing well now.

"I’m back, I’m 90, 95% to where I was before, and it’s going to be great," he said.

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Neil first returned to the stage in August, performing at MGM Music Hall at Fenway in Boston with Bret Michaels. On Friday, he and the rest of Mötley Crüe played the first rescheduled show of their Las Vegas residency.

Ahead of the concert, Neil told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that the show's set list is "extensive, with some deep cuts, but the songs that fans want to hear."

The band played hits like "Dr. Feelgood," "Kickstart My Heart" and "Girls, Girls, Girls" during the show.

"It takes you through the full Mötley Crüe lifestyle," Neil said. "I am going to push through the best I can."

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