A group of UVU students say they ‘are not afraid’ for their safety but are still concerned
Sep 12, 2025, 6:04 PM | Updated: 7:22 pm
Ali Ajokaiye and McKinley Shinkle, students at UVU. (Adam Small)
(Adam Small)
A group of UVU students say while they feel a lot better knowing the person of suspected of killing Charlie Kirk is in custody they’re still worried about something like this happening at a future event.
“I feel a lot better. But honestly I don’t feel that much better,” said Anthony Shinkle, a freshman at UVU.
Related: ‘We got him,’: Gov. Cox announces capture of suspected shooter in Charlie Kirk’s killing
Anthony Shinkle, his cousin and another student were all out holding signs at the front of campus on Friday to not only condemn what happened to Charlie Kirk but also promote healthy discourse and coming together to end political violence.
Signs that say things like “We are not afraid,” and “Don’t tread on us,” but the rattlesnake is replaced with a Beehive.

Ali and McKinley, UVU students. (Adam Small)
Anthony’s cousin McKinley says they want people, regardless of their political stance to come together and healthily share their views with one another.
“I want to show solidarity with Utah as well. Utah does not stand for this. This is completely ridiculous,” said McKinley.

Anthony Shinkle, UVU student. (Adam Small)
Though, there have been a lot of people driving around the roundabout, some of whom, Shinkle says have heckled them, harassed them, or even celebrated Charlie Kirk’s death.
But the students have stayed their ground and continued to hold their signs.
“We are not afraid of violence we are going to be out here no matter what,” said McKinley Shinkle.
