Tributes to Conservative Activist Infiltrate Local Area
Trevor Phipps
The nation recently experienced shock waves when news broke on September 10 that the popular conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot while speaking to a crowd of 3,000 at one of his Turning Point USA events at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
Shortly after the shooting was reported, U.S. President Donald Trump took to the airwaves and announced Kirk’s death in what many have labeled a political assassination. The president also released one of his most emotional social media posts, which highlighted his strong friendship with Kirk.
Being a highly conservative county with strong ties to Christian evangelism, the news struck Teller County especially hard. Shortly after the murder was announced, local organizations scheduled tributes for the fallen political activist.
The news of Kirk’s death hit especially hard for the Charis Bible College community in Woodland Park as the activist was slated to speak the day after his murder at the 2025 Truth and Liberty Conference at the local bible college. As soon as news of his death spread, the bible college issued a press release that invited everyone to pray for Kirk’s family.
“Today, the world lost a true American hero in Charlie Kirk,” Andrew Wommack Ministries, the Charis Bible College and Truth and Liberty stated in a press release. “A fearless leader, a born-again believer in Jesus Christ, a friend to many, a father and a husband, with God’s help, Charlie changed the course of a generation. His ability to clearly and powerfully articulate truth has reignited the fires of liberty and a love of God and Country in America. His death was the result of senseless violence and untamed animosity.”
As a way to mourn Kirk’s absence, the Truth and Liberty Conference was still held. But instead of hearing a speech from Kirk, the bible college held a panel discussion with guest appearances in Kirk’s memory.
The event started with Christian music to honor their fallen hero. Later, several people took the stage who personally knew Kirk and supported what his Turning Point USA organization has done for the last several years.
During the ceremony, Charis Bible College founder Andrew Wommack told the large crowd who attended the tribute that Kirk was more than just an American hero. “Let me just make this point that Charlie, of course, was a born-again believer, he loved God, and I guarantee you there is a special reward for those who are martyred for their faith,” Wommack said. “That’s what the scripture says. We aren’t grieving for Charlie; he entered heaven with fanfare and is probably having the greatest time of his life he’s ever had.”
Other Tributes Held Locally
However, the local tributes for the fallen activist didn’t end there. Many conservatives in the area followed Kirk’s work and were left with a heart-broken feelings after hearing the news that Kirk had passed away. The topic of Kirk’s fatal shooting even commanded considerable commentary during the regular meeting of the Teller County commissioners on Sept. 11. The commissioners praised area law enforcement authorities and county staff for their security and planning efforts to facilitate the many Kirk tributes that occurred throughout Teller (see related story).
Shortly after he died on Sept. 10, the Teller County Republican Party issued a statement mourning his death. “Our heartfelt prayers are with Charlie Kirk’s wife, children, and family,” the local Republican Party’s statement said. “Charlie was a Patriot, Leader, Husband, Father, Christian. Beyond his role as a powerful voice in conservative politics, Charlie was a devoted husband and father who treasured his family and worked hard to protect their privacy. Charlie’s life was deeply rooted in his faith, and he often spoke of fatherhood as his most meaningful calling. We grieve the loss of Charlie and stand in prayer for the strength and comfort of his young family as they face the difficult days ahead.”
The same evening of his death, the Teller County Republicans also held a tribute for the activist. Several met on Sept. 10 at 8 p.m. at Memorial Park in Woodland Park for a prayer and gathering in Kirk’s name.
Teller County Sheriff (and Colorado gubernatorial candidate) Jason Mikesell was also struck by the news. Shortly after his death a picture of Mikesell, his wife Pamela and Kirk all together circulated on social media.
Suspected Assassin Could Face Firing Squad Death
Directly after the shooting occurred, two “persons of interest” were detained, but then later released.
After investigators combed through campus security footage, they released an image of the eventual suspect the next day. After a picture of the person whom authorities believed fired the fatal shot was circulated across national news stations, the suspect confessed to his father. A family friend then turned the information over to authorities.
On Sept. 11 at around 10 p.m. authorities arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson after conducting several interviews with his family members and acquaintances. Authorities say that Robinson arrived on the Utah Valley campus in the morning hours of Sept. 10 with a rifle tucked under his clothing.
Robinson then climbed a stairway up to a campus building roof where he allegedly shot Kirk in the neck with a bolt-action rifle from around 200 yards away. On Sept. 16, prosecutors formally charged Robinson with a slew of felonies including aggravated murder. If convicted, Robinson could face the death penalty and possibly a firing squad.
“After this press conference, I will be filing notice of intent to seek the death penalty,” Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray said at a press conference. “I do not make this decision lightly, and it’s one I’ve made as county attorney based solely on evidence and circumstances of the crime.”
