A Utah lawmaker has launched a $50,000 fundraiser to erect a memorial in Charlie Kirk’s honor at Utah Valley University after the leading conservative was shot dead at the campus on Wednesday.
Newsweek contacted state Senator Daniel McCay, who created the fundraiser, and Utah Valley University (UVU) for comment on Thursday via email.
Why It Matters
Kirk, 31, co-founded the campaign group Turning Point USA in 2012 at the age of 18 and was considered one of the most prominent American conservative activists. A close ally of President Donald Trump, Kirk had built a significant social media following, including 7.3 million on TikTok, 7 million on Instagram and 5 million on X, formerly Twitter.
McCay’s fundraiser shows the degree of respect and reverence for Kirk within the conservative movement, with Trump also announcing that he will be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
What To Know
McCay launched his fundraiser on the GiveSendGo crowdfunding platform under the title “Utah Valley University Charlie Kirk Memorial.”
The state senator said his goal was to raise $50,000 to “create a dignified and lasting” memorial to Kirk at UVU, consisting of a “beautifully crafted monument featuring a plaque inscribed with the words: ‘Good men must die, but death can’t kill their names.’” Kirk posted the phrase on Twitter in February 2013.
As of 10:30 a.m. ET on Thursday, about $1,298 had been raised from 22 separate donations.
McCay said the money would be spent on the “design and construction” of a bronze plaque with the inscription, landscaping and maintenance, and the requisite “permits and approvals” in coordination with UVU. The university has not publicly commented on the proposal.
The state senator added that any surplus funds would “be donated to a scholarship fund in Charlie Kirk’s name to support UVU students pursuing civic engagement and leadership.” He also made a $500 donation to the fund, commenting, “God bless the memory of Charlie Kirk, a freedom fighter.”
What People Are Saying
On his fundraiser, Utah Senator Daniel McCay wrote: “Charlie Kirk was more than a public figure; he was a mentor, a motivator, and a champion for young people seeking to understand and defend the values that make our nation strong. At UVU, his presence sparked conversations, challenged perspectives, and inspired students to think critically about the world around them. This memorial will ensure that his legacy continues to inspire, uniting students and the community in a shared commitment to truth and liberty.”
Jason Barron, who donated $100 to the fundraiser, wrote: “One of a generation that ignited an entire generation. A bullet can’t stop him. Let’s keep his memory, mission, and momentum alive. Thanks for organizing this Senator!”
Tyler McGettigan, who donated $25, wrote: “You can kill a man, but you cannot kill an idea.”
One anonymous donor gave $50, writing: “Charlie was a inspiration to all!!! He was my first X account to follow. His message was true, and I just want to keep his memory and beliefs alive.”
What Happens Next
The shooter remains at large. At a news conference on Thursday, federal and state authorities said they had recovered the gun used to kill Kirk—a bolt-action rifle—and had surveillance footage of the suspect, who “appears to be of college age.”
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