The Carnegie Mellon University College Republicans plan to use The Fence as a way to honor conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, following his slaying Wednesday.
CMU College Republican President Anthony Cacciato said he was “shaken up by the news” that Kirk was shot in the neck and killed while speaking at a college in Utah.
The Fence’s message, which will be white lettering atop a black base coat, will serve as both a vigil in honor of Kirk as well as a proclamation against political violence.
The side facing Forbes Avenue will read “Rest in Peace Charlie Kirk,” while the opposite side — facing CMU’s Hunt Library — will display the message, “Say No to Political Violence.”
Ally Aufman, vice president of the CMU College Republicans, said she felt disheartened to see political violence happening once again.
Aufman said Kirk’s death reminded her of the assassination attempt against President Donald Trump near Butler, in July 2024.
“Seeing this happen again hits really close to home,” said Aufman, who was a the Trump campaign rally in Butler when the attack occurred.
The last time CMU College Republicans painted The Fence was in 2024, following the presidential election, Cacciato said.
Members of the College Republicans gathered at The Fence around 5 p.m. to “hold” it, which stops others from utilizing it as a message board, until they are allowed to paint it at midnight, per CMU Fence tradition and policy.
The completed message will be finished in the early morning hours.
