Across the nation, vigils were held to honor the memory of Charlie Kirk, who was tragically killed at a Utah event last Wednesday. The 31-year-old conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA was shot on the campus of Utah Valley University. Despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead after being taken to the hospital. In light of his death, many came together to mourn and denounce political violence.
Turning Point USA campus chapters organized vigils at college locations throughout the country. One such event took place in Seattle at Westlake Park. Russell Johnson, lead pastor at The Pursuit, reflected on the tragedy in a post on X, saying, “In response to the reprehensible and senseless murder of Charlie Kirk, we are gathering tonight… to take a stand against the senseless political and religious violence in America.” Such sentiments were echoed nationally as various leaders joined to honor Kirk’s legacy and advocate for peace.
In Washington, Rep. Ryan Zinke announced a prayer vigil at a Capitol Hill church, inviting fellow Montanans to join in prayer for Kirk and his family. He wrote on X, “I invite Montanans… to join us in prayer and spirit praying for Charlie, his family and our divided nation. We must heal.” This call for unity resonated with many as they gathered to reflect on the impact of political violence.
A rosary vigil also took place in Arizona led by Catholics for Catholics. Their post on Instagram noted Kirk’s connection to the community: “Charlie Kirk’s local Catholic community gathers to pray the Rosary for the Eternal Rest of his soul.” They expressed their fondness for Kirk, stating, “He attended our Church. We loved him and America loves him too.”
The New York Yankees commemorated Kirk’s life with a moment of silence before their game against the Detroit Tigers. They released a statement on X highlighting Kirk’s role in founding Turning Point USA and acknowledging his significant presence on college campuses. “Before tonight’s game we held a moment of silence in memoriam of Charlie Kirk,” they stated.
In further tributes, Kevin Smith, the founder of The Loud Majority, organized a vigil for Saturday in New York. Additionally, politicians and leaders both domestic and international expressed their condolences. Former President Donald Trump remembered Kirk as “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk,” noting his dedication to the youth of America and his profound impact. “He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, extending sympathies to Kirk’s wife and family.
California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, joined in the condemnation of the shooting, labeling it “disgusting, vile, and reprehensible.” His remarks, posted on X, emphasized the need to reject political violence in all forms. Internationally, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Kirk’s commitment to truth, stating, “Charlie Kirk was murdered for speaking truth and defending freedom. A lion-hearted friend of Israel, he fought the lies and stood tall for Judeo-Christian civilization.”
During this time of mourning, Bruce Pearl, the men’s basketball coach at Auburn University, expressed solidarity with Kirk’s community. “Many in our Auburn student body are horrified tonight, you young patriots who love our country like Charlie,” he said. Pearl urged attendees to reflect and perhaps dial down the violent rhetoric, advocating for a united and positive future.
Charlie Kirk leaves behind his wife, Erika Lane Frantzve, and their two children. His life and legacy will resonate in the hearts of those who knew him and believed in his vision for America.
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