Emotions ran high throughout the past week as Mount Pleasant residents and Central Michigan University students and faculty gathered on campus to hold vigils recognizing victims and those affected by recent acts of gun violence in the United States.

The first vigil, honoring the life of political activist Charlie Kirk, was held Sunday, Sept.14, in Fabiano Gardens. The event was hosted by CMU’s chapter of Turning Point USA and the CMU Republicans.

The second, put together by CMU’s National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) chapter, was held in response to the school shooting that took place at Evergreen High School in Colorado as well as other acts of violence in schools across the country. It was held on Wednesday, Sept. 17, at Kesseler Circle.

Each vigil included a variety of speakers, moments of silence for those impacted and acts of worship and prayer. CMU police officers were present at both, ensuring the safety of all attendees.

Although the vigils focused on different events, it was clear that members of the community, both on and off campus, were united in calling for an end to the surge of violence in the U.S.

Speakers at the Kirk memorial denounced violence in the name of political beliefs. They emphasized the importance of the First Amendment right to freedom of speech; many of them repeated the notion that political violence has no place in this country.

Among them was Sylvia List, president of TPUSA CMU, said that in honor of Kirk’s legacy, the group would follow in Kirk’s footsteps, using speech to cultivate change.

“(Kirk) was doing all of his debating and keeping communication open to show God's love and also keep conversation alive,” List said. “He didn't want anyone to not communicate because once we stop having conversations, that's when violence starts happening.”

NAACP leadership opened the floor for attendees to share their thoughts, stories and experiences with gun violence and other acts of hate. For over an hour, students stepped forward giving emotional testimonies, leading prayers and offering words of hope.

Christian Talampas, a CMU freshman, was the first of many who took the microphone and addressed the crowd. He encouraged everyone find reassurance in religion and lean on their loved ones for support.

“When they said, ‘is anybody willing to speak?’” Talampas said. “I waited for about 15 seconds. Nobody walked and I decided I needed to make a change. All of my life, I've been a very extroverted person, but tonight I felt was the night that I needed to do it most.”

While united against gun violence, no matter its motivation, community members hold opposing viewpoints on how positive change can be made to stop the spread of brutality.

List, as well as others involved in the Kirk memorial’s planning, said that the rise in violence does not stem from a lack of weapon regulations.

“Obviously there is an issue with gun violence,” List said. “But it's more of a mental health crisis than guns. The guns aren't the things shooting people, it's people shooting people.”

Conversely, a multitude of students called for gun control reforms while speaking during Thursday’s vigil.

Kennedy Butler, a senior at CMU, said many in her community see gun violence as a broader institutional issue that perpetuates a culture of fear around the US.

“If they had laws and cared enough about it, it would have definitely been fixed a long time ago,” Butler said. “It's just so frustrating to see it with more and more proof being shown that regardless of your beliefs, it's going to affect you. So I don't understand how the common consensus on that isn't to change a law.”

After the ceremony, the NAACP chapter leadership announced a "know your rights" workshop in partnership with CMU police from 5:45 p.m. to 7 p.m. this Wednesday in Kulhavi Hall.