The university where the right-wing pundit was shot dead has issued a response with regards to his murder.
Utah Valley University was the first stop for 31-year-old Kirk on a nationwide tour which he titled ‘The American Comeback’.
Midway through a debate, where Kirk started talking about mass shootings, a gunman (still thought to be at large) shot the commentator in the throat. Kirk died from his injuries.
Taking to social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), the university told its 44,000 students that campus had been closed, and all classes that were scheduled to be taught on 10 September had now been cancelled.
In the immediate aftermath, a spokesperson for the university wrote: “UVU campus is closed. Classes cancelled. Those on campus, secure in place until police officers can escort you safely off campus. Police are currently going building to building escorting people off campus. Roads to campus are currently closed..”
As events unfolded, UVU then told students that all classes – either virtual or in person – were to be cancelled until 15 September at the earliest.
Everyone's clicking on...
Astrid S. Tuminez, the president of the university, wrote on the school’s website: “On behalf of Utah Valley University, we are shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Charlie Kirk, a guest to our campus. Our hearts go out to his family. As we grieve with our students, faculty, and staff who bore witness to this unspeakable tragedy, UVU campuses will be closed from September 11-14.
“All classes (in-person or virtual), campus events, and administrative operations will be suspended during this time. Please plan accordingly and make any necessary adjustments to your schedules.
“Students — coursework, assignment deadlines, and exams will be delayed to accommodate the campus closure.
“Faculty and supervisors, thank you for being flexible as we navigate through this difficult time. We encourage you to reach out to your students and employees with updates about expectations.
“All employees (full-time or part-time) will still receive regular compensation during the campus closure. Additional information will be forthcoming regarding mental health support to students, faculty, and staff.
“We appreciate your understanding and invite the campus community to demonstrate exceptional care towards one another at this time.”
The university has also re-upped its mental health resources for students or staff who had been impacted by Kirk’s murder.”
Enquiries around Kirk’s murder are ongoing.
Kimberley Bond is a Multiplatform Writer for Harper’s Bazaar, focusing on the arts, culture, careers and lifestyle. She previously worked as a Features Writer for Cosmopolitan UK, and has bylines at The Telegraph, The Independent and British Vogue among countless others.
