University of Tennessee officials condemned flyers appearing to celebrate Charlie Kirk’s assassination, saying no group registered the campus event.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is condemning flyers that appeared across campus promoting a gathering seemingly designed to celebrate the anniversary of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
The posters advertised an event called “Kirkaversery” and declared that attendees would “celebrate” the first year “AK,” or “After Kirk.” The university said it has no connection to the gathering and has not identified who placed the flyers.
University condemns Kirk assassination flyers
The flyers promoted an 8 p.m. gathering Thursday on the HSS Lawn, an outdoor area at the Knoxville campus.
University officials said no organization had registered to use the lawn or another reservable campus space for an event related to Kirk’s assassination.
The university also said it had not determined whether the people behind the flyers were affiliated with UT.
“The university is not sponsoring any event related to Charlie Kirk’s assassination,” a spokesperson told Fox News Digital.
UT denounces message celebrating violence
University officials strongly condemned the apparent celebration of Kirk’s death.
“The University of Tennessee strongly condemns any message or activity that celebrates or makes light of violence or the loss of human life,” a spokesperson said.
The university added that it remains committed to maintaining a campus environment centered on civility and respect for human dignity.
The statement comes as colleges across the country confront a wider debate over political expression and reactions to Kirk’s assassination.
Kirk was killed at Utah Valley University
Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was assassinated on Sept. 10, 2025, while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
He was 31 years old.
His killing became one of the most consequential acts of political violence in the United States in recent years and triggered an intense national debate over political rhetoric and campus culture.
A year later, Kirk’s organization continues to expand its presence at colleges and high schools nationwide.
Flyers appear ahead of anniversary
The Tennessee flyers surfaced as the first anniversary of Kirk’s killing approached.
Reports of similar activity have emerged at other universities, with apparent advertisements for events mocking or marking the anniversary appearing on several campuses.
Fox News reported that an apparent Kirk look-alike contest was also advertised at the University of South Carolina, although the university said it had no record of a registered student organization planning such an event.
At Georgetown University, reports also circulated about an alleged Kirk-themed event, adding to concerns over how some students were responding to the anniversary.
Questions remain over who posted flyers
Despite the controversy, the identity of the people responsible for the UT Knoxville flyers remains unclear.
The university has not confirmed that students, faculty or a registered campus organization were behind the posters.
That distinction is important because the university’s free-speech policies protect students’ ability to express political opinions while also imposing rules concerning campus safety and conduct.
UT’s free-speech guidance says the university supports the right of campus community members to express views for or against political actions and opinions, while emphasizing that campus safety remains a priority.
Campus reaction unfolds
The flyers have generated criticism as the anniversary of Kirk’s death brings renewed attention to his political legacy.
Kirk became a prominent conservative voice among young Americans through Turning Point USA, building a large campus network focused on mobilizing young conservatives.
His death has since strengthened the organization’s visibility, with Turning Point expanding its presence across schools and colleges.
The anniversary has also highlighted the deep political divisions that surrounded Kirk during his lifetime and intensified after his assassination.
Investigation and campus response
For now, the University of Tennessee has not identified those responsible for the flyers or confirmed that the advertised gathering will take place.
The university’s public safety infrastructure includes the UT Police Department, which maintains records of reported criminal and alleged criminal incidents occurring on campus or within its jurisdiction.
University officials have made clear that the flyers do not represent an officially sanctioned campus event.
As the anniversary of Kirk’s assassination arrives, the controversy at UT Knoxville underscores the continuing challenge universities face in balancing free expression with campus safety, civility and the condemnation of political violence.
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