September 15, 2025 (Cover photo credit: Karyn Simmons)
Pocatello–Several hundred people gathered at ISU’s quad on Saturday evening to take part in a candlelight vigil in honor of conservative leader and free speech advocate Charlie Kirk, who was slain by an assassin’s bullet the previous Wednesday.
Farhana Hibbert, Chair of the ISU College Republicans, welcomed attendees to the vigil. She then read the memorial program:
“On Wednesday, September 10th, 2025, and American hero was stolen from us by a coward’s bullet.
“Though his life on this plane is over, his message will carry on. His legacy forever cemented into the annals of American History.
“Charlie was more than a brave and eloquent speaker though; he was a loving husband, a doting father, an obedient son, and a friend to many. But most importantly he was a soldier on a mission to bring Jesus Christ and the gospel to the youth of America. Let us never allow ourselves to become apathetic to the siren song of our generation. Charlie’s message was simple: Love God, love your country and love your neighbor enough to tell them the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
“It is on all of us to carry the torch forward. Let us boldly proclaim truth, despite the cost. Charlie knew the cost and he paid it without a second thought. May we be as bold as our brother in Christ. Rest easy brother, we’ll take it from here.”
After reading the program, Mrs. Hibbert spoke briefly about Charlie Kirk’s legacy, stressing the need for the community to unite in remembering him. She mentioned that there were thirty-one flags placed around the edge of the quad, one for each year of Kirk’s life. Finally, she announced that a Turning Point chapter will be formed on the ISU campus.
The Pocatello Veterans Honor Guard posted the colors and led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance, after which a local woman sang the National Anthem.
Pastor Craig Yadon of Christ Church led attendees in a powerful invocation, in which he prayed for Charlie Kirk’s wife and children, his parents, and his siblings. He also expressed repentance on behalf of the nation for failing to honor God’s ways, and prayed that the assassin would come to repentance for his act. He closed his prayer with a plea that all his hearers would commit to speaking truth as Kirk did.
Next, Farhana Hibbert introduced three speakers: District 28’s state representative Tanya Burgoyne, Bannock County Commissioner Jeff Hough, and Chubbuck Mayor Kevin England.
Representative Burgoyne highlighted Charlie Kirk’s beautiful life and his love for America. At only eighteen, he saw the potential of America’s “rising generation” to change the world and dedicated himself to engaging with them. Though the assassin intended to silence him, Kirk’s death has made him an even greater symbol of freedom of speech. Burgoyne called on her hearers to emulate Kirk’s confidence, clarity, and compassion. “In honor of Charlie,” she said, “let there be a million Charlie Kirks!”
Commissioner Hough described Charlie Kirk as a man who lived his faith, connected through dialogue, and demonstrated courage. To carry Kirk’s legacy forward, he called on attendees to live their faith, speak calmly without malice, and show courage, exemplifying in their own lives the virtues of kindness, respect, and humility.
Mayor England praised Charlie Kirk as a dependable example, who showed dignity and respect to everyone he spoke with regardless of the differences in their viewpoints. In speaking of Kirk’s death, he cited John 15:13, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” England urged his hearers to remember Kirk’s immediate and extended family, since they are experiencing the greater loss. In closing, he challenged the crowd to be the voice Charlie Kirk would want them to be, standing for truth and righteousness with dignity and respect. “Let this be a beginning,” he said.
After Mayor England concluded his remarks, Mrs. Hibbert asked attendees to observe a moment of silence. Miss Hannah Hibbert then performed a beautifully simple rendition of Amazing Grace, in which some members of the audience joined.
Pastor Elijah Whitecar of Mountain Valley Baptist Church was asked to offer the closing benediction. Before praying, Pastor Whitecar shared a eulogy for Charlie Kirk, whom he knew personally. He spoke of Kirk’s love for God and for his family, paying tribute to Kirk as a friend who consistently challenged him to be a better husband, father, and pastor himself. He shared that during their last in-person conversation, Kirk expressed his feeling that the highest calling in the world is that of sharing the gospel. Pastor Whitecar shared that Charlie Kirk accepted Christ as his Savior while still a child, and that Kirk had a great desire to “make heaven crowded.” He also shared that Kirk’s favorite word was the Hebrew word which appears in English as “Here am I; send me.” Whitecar explained that this phrase is the answer to the question, “Who is to stand up now?” He stressed that Charlie Kirk would want everyone to live their life to the fullest for Christ, choosing the difficult–but meaningful–path rather than the easy way. Finally, Whitecar called on attendees to take the gospel, rather than the sword or violence. “If America is to be saved it must turn back to God,” he said. “This is what Charlie Kirk lived and died for.” Pastor Whitecar then gave the closing benediction, praying that Charlie Kirk’s spark would light a fire of revival.
After the vigil concluded, many of those in attendance placed candles and other mementoes at the bases of the posters commemorating Charlie Kirk’s life, often pausing in silent mourning before leaving the Quad.
