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Students at Utah Valley University (UVU) are returning to campus a week after the tragic shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kirk was fatally shot on Wednesday (September 10) while speaking at an event on the Orem, Utah campus. The university had closed for several days and is now reopening in phases.
The suspect, Tyler Robinson, was arraigned on Tuesday (September 16) on multiple felony charges, including aggravated murder. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty, a move supported by President Donald Trump. Robinson's DNA was reportedly found on the weapon used in the shooting, and he allegedly confessed to several people, including his parents.
The incident has left a deep impact on the UVU community. Students like Nyasha Paradzai, who witnessed the shooting, are grappling with the trauma. "I was literally a few feet away from him," Paradzai told CNN. "In my world, you don’t hear guns."
Hope Ledkins, a first-year student at the school, told ABC News that returning to class is a "very sad, very somber feeling."
In response to the tragedy, UVU has increased security measures and is providing counseling services to students.
The shooting has also sparked discussions about political violence in America. FBI Director Kash Patel testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee, emphasizing the need to address violence from all political ideologies. Meanwhile, the community is preparing for a celebration of life ceremony for Kirk, set to take place on Sunday (September 21) in Glendale, Arizona.