Scott Sperry jotted his name down on a sign-up sheet.
The 22-year-old student at Utah Valley University had watched Charlie Kirk's videos for years and credits the conservative firebrand with being a catalyst in his own political involvement. Now, on this Thursday afternoon, moments before his political hero was about to speak on campus, Sperry thought it was time for him to pay it forward by joining his school's chapter of Turning Point USA - the organisation Kirk co-founded in 2012 to advocate for conservatism on college campuses.
Moments after taking his front-row seat to see Kirk speak, Sperry watched in shock as a sniper bullet rang out and blood started pouring from Kirk's neck. The images, he said, he still can't shake, but he thinks the loss will only strengthen the movement Kirk inspired him to join.
When you try to silence a voice like this, they don't go away - you only amplify it, sophomore Scott Sperry said. There are now going to be a million Charlie Kirks, and I feel like that's the thing that we need to do.
As the immediate shock of the attack calms, some at Utah Valley University said it has been replaced with a deep sense of resolve to continue what Kirk began. Students with various political ideologies - including those vehemently opposed to Kirk's beliefs - told the BBC they've felt a personal sense of responsibility to ensure healthy debates on college campuses continue.
With branches at more than 850 colleges, Turning Point USA - which Kirk co-founded when he was just 18 - has been credited with helping galvanise younger voters and helping Donald Trump win the White House.
Kirk, who had millions of followers online, would often tour college campuses across the country to debate issues like gender, race, gun control and immigration.
The killing has thrown Utah Valley University into the centre of America's political divide. Soon after Kirk was shot, some who disagreed with him took to social media to blame Kirk, who has openly supported gun ownership. Those on the right claimed that conservatives were under attack by the radical left.
Some students have taken to the streets, expressing their feelings on signs and in discussions about political engagement. Freshman McKinley Shinkle noted how this unprecedented event has encouraged him and others to become politically active.
As students process the event, memorials and calls for discourse abound on campus, with many expressing their desire to honor Kirk's dedication to political dialogue and engagement. There’s a palpable sense among students that a crucial lesson has emerged from this tragedy: to engage, debate, and uphold the principles of free speech.
