- A family of 16 recounts terror at Utah Valley University after the shooting.
- Charlie Kirk's death left the family separated amid chaos but supported by strangers.
- Family members find solace in faith and community as they process the traumatic event.
OREM — After the tragic shooting death of political activist Charlie Kirk, a family of 16 was reeling from the chaos and fear they experienced at Utah Valley University, where Kirk was scheduled to speak.
The southwest end of campus has become a memorial site, where fans are laying flowers, candles and handwritten notes. One card reads:
"Thank you for giving us a voice … we love you, and will miss you."
Among those mourning is Tiffany Barker and her extended family, who were at UVU to hear Kirk speak.
"We were so excited to come and get to see him and hear him speak," Barker said.
That excitement turned to horror when a shot rang out.
"It was horrific … he fell to the ground instantly," she recalled.
The scene quickly became chaotic. Cellphones stopped working. Barker's family — 10 children and six adults — were separated in the panic.
"We ran to the tennis courts," she said.
But amid the fear, Barker said "earth angels" — UVU students — stepped in to help.
"She could tell they (Barker's family) were frantic and looking for me … she said, 'I'll stay with you until your mom comes,'" Barker said.
Her 14-year-old nephew, Isaac Steele, remembers diving into nearby weeds for cover.
"I heard people screaming … running to the door and saying he just got shot," he said.
Eventually, he reunited with his family.
"It was a relief," he said.
His cousin, Eliza Clawson, also found comfort in strangers — and in her faith.
"I found a few college people I felt I could trust … I asked, 'Could I be with you? I don't know where my family is,'" Eliza said.
That trust, and her belief in God, brought her peace.
"Like Christ is coming back … and if you're doing what you should be, you shouldn't be worried," she said. "Charlie Kirk was a man of faith … and I believe in mine too."
Another cousin, Mia Grant, echoed that sentiment.
"Just hope everybody knows that he's OK … he's in heaven with God," Mia said. "This is a learning experience … we just need to stay faithful. Jesus has a plan for us."
As the family continues to process the trauma, Barker summed up their perspective:
"You can't have help lateral with that much evil … you have to look to God," she said.
In the wake of tragedy, this close-knit family is leaning on their faith — and each other — as they begin the difficult journey of healing.
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Jodi Reynosa
