Conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at a speaking event in Utah on Wednesday. His widow, Erika, spoke out for the first time Friday evening. Students with the chapter of Turning Point USA at the University of Maryland also held a vigil Friday night.

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk died Wednesday after he was shot at an event at Utah Valley University. Officials say a suspect is now in custody.

Kirk, who was the co-founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, was able to set up his family — wife, Erika, and two young children — to be financially stable before his death with an estimated net worth of $12 million, according to ValueWalk.

Kirk was shot during a question-and-answer session as part of his American Comeback Tour that stopped at Utah Valley University. In several graphic videos that are circulating on social media, Kirk slumped back in his chair after a bullet hit his neck. Kirk was taken to the hospital in critical condition and was later pronounced dead.

He will return to Utah on Sept. 30 to do the same event at Utah State University, and thousands are up in arms about it. As of Tuesday morning, 6,713 people have signed a petition requesting that the faculty at Utah State bar Kirk from coming to the Logan campus,

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KU's Turning Point USA chapter hosted dozens of students and community members alike at a candlelight vigil Thursday evening near the memorial Campanile.