Supporters united at vigil and remembrance on anniversary of Charlie Kirk’s death

A remembrance to mark the death anniversary of conservative activist and Northwest suburban native Charlie Kirk Saturday at Lakewood Chapel in Arlington Heights fell short of standing room only.

But the 150 or so in attendance — representing a swath of ages from families with kids, engaged adults to high school students — were united in the memory and message of the man who founded Turning Point USA in 2012.

“This is a family friendly event,” said Erik Troe, northern Illinois’ field representative for the nonprofit political organization. “We got what we wanted — just the remembrance of Charlie and his legacy. His students are his legacy.”

Kirk, an influential conservative activist and media personality, founded the nonprofit political organization in Lemont to mobilize young voters shortly after graduating from Wheeling High School.

Born in Arlington Heights, Kirk was 31 on Sept. 10, 2025, when he was fatally shot by an assassin while speaking with students during an event at Utah Valley University.

He was immersed in politics early and began working for local Republican candidates as a teen before growing Turning Point USA into a national force. An ally of President Donald Trump, Kirk was said to have been influential in rallying young Republican voters.

Turning Point’s mission is to “identify, educate, train, and organize students to promote the principles of freedom, free markets and limited government,” according to its website. Faith and religion also is an important element of the mission.

Some regarded Kirk as an important leader who welcomed all viewpoints to debate while others considered him a polarizing figure relating harmful messages.

During the 2023-24 election cycle, Turning Point PAC contributed $872,814 in independent expenditures and communication costs to Trump, data from OpenSecrets showed.

Kirk also was outspoken about his controversial political views during debates and podcasts, such as his anti-abortion and anti-gun control stances, criticism of LGBTQ+ and people of color rights and conservative opinions about the roles of women.

But Turning Point’s focus has always been on students. Troe said there are about 30 high school clubs in northern Illinois and about 100 statewide. Interest has been up since his death a year ago, he added.

But it hasn’t been an easy road for some, including Kirk’s alma mater.

“We definitely got pushback” said Daniel Paderin, a junior and co-president of the Club America at Wheeling High School.

The club has about 20 members and held its first meeting in May, several months after it started the process to become officially recognized, he said.

Members of other school clubs are accepting, he added, but the general sentiment is not one of open arms.

“We’re not accepted very much,” added senior Olivia Murphy. “We want to be like him (Kirk) but we don’t want to be him.”

The goal, she said, is to “allow people to talk and give their opinions.”

Senior Jillian Franz, secretary-treasurer, said the group doesn’t plan to fight fire with fire.

“We understand where they’re coming from,” she said of nonsupporters. “We just want them to understand us.”

Maggie Corbett, a senior who started Club America at Lake Forest High School after Kirk’s death last October, said she’s been watching his videos since middle school. Lake Forest has about 30 members, she said.

Corbett, who says she hopes to work in the White House or in Congress someday, said she’s been cursed at.

“It’s not going to stop me,” she said. “Charlie taught me it’s important to speak the truth.”

Several speakers addressed the crowd during a roughly 90-minute program.

“He might say, ‘Don’t let anybody cancel your effort or cancel your drive, your passion to make a difference,’” said Brent Hamachek, director of book publishing for Just the Books (JusttheNews.com).

Joseph Fiduccia, director of strategy & development for the Barrington Township Republican Organization, attended with his wife, Lisa, daughter Isabella, 8, and son Joey, 7.

He said Kirk was for “common sense, faith, family and freedom” and someone the couple wants to model their kids after.

Saturday’s event was organized by Turning Point USA with Lakewood Chapel, a non-denominational church, hosting.

“Whether you like the guy or not it doesn’t matter because we’ve got to settle down a little bit and see the good in one another,” Pastor John Elleson said.

“I wonder what the next generation will be like,” he added. “They’ve got to find common ground.”

Fourteen students from New Trier, Lake Forest, Wheeling and Barrington who formed Turning Point chapters took the stage to end the program to a standing ovation.

Saturday’s remembrance wasn’t the only one in the suburbs honoring Kirk this week.

Dozens of people gathered Thursday night at Matt’s BBQ Lemont for a memorial watch party that featured student speeches and a livestream of Utah Valley University’s ceremony.

Amanda Szulc, treasurer for the Joliet Township Republican Organization and Will County coordinator for the Darren Bailey gubernatorial campaign, said Kirk is the reason she got into politics.

“For so long, I was hiding behind privacy settings and not willing to talk about it, and after what happened to him, I saw the mask fall off,” Szulc said.

Szulc said she liked how Kirk engaged with young students and said he helped inspire many of them to share their beliefs.

mzawislak@dailyherald.com

Tribune wire services contributed to this report.