Hundreds have gathered across the state of Georgia to honor conservative influencer Charlie Kirk in the wake of his assassination.
From Athens to Albany, and Woodstock to Townsend, Georgia residents have flocked to parks and plazas for solemn vigils, where they have lit candles, prayed and shared tributes to Kirk.
In Woodstock, hundreds gathered for a candlelight vigil, where attendees shared memories of Kirk and listened to a musical tribute to the political and cultural activist.
Organizer Callie Graham said she felt called to hold the event after hearing of similar gatherings being held to honor Kirk, such as on her daughter’s college campus. She told Fox 5 Atlanta Kirk’s death has deeply affected her, and that she hoped the vigil would help the community process the tragedy.
“It’s a way for people to essentially understand that we’re all hurting,” she said. “It’s just a time where we can feel at peace and feel connected.”
“Our world has gotten to a really ugly place, and we need to bring humanity back,” weighed in Lisa Sammons.
Speaker Timothy Bennett, who admitted he had been rattled by Kirk’s death, said of the influencer, “He went out in public and talked to people and kept freedom of speech. I think when people can’t talk anymore and share their opinion, I think that’s when things go bad.”
Kirk in fact said something similar during his lifetime: “When people stop talking, that’s when violence happens.”
The Woodstock vigil concluded with prayers for Kirk, his family, and the country.
Vigils for Kirk have also been held by Turning Point USA’s University of Georgia chapter on Friday at Tate Student Plaza; in the community of Fairhope in Townsend; in Richmond Hill; in East Cobb; and in Albany.
At Albany’s gathering in honor of Kirk, one attendee called upon Americans to step up to play an active role in bettering the country.
“I don’t care who you vote for. This is not a political issue,” the unnamed attendee said. “But if you want the United States to be the way that you want for your children, you have a responsibility. You need to attend city and county government meetings. You’ve got to… Model the change that you want to see.”
“The opportunity is right here,” the attendee continued. “In closing, I’m going to share my favorite quote from Charlie: ‘If the most important thing for you is just feeling good, you’re gonna end up miserable. But if the most important thing is doing good, you’ll end up purposeful.’”
Kirk was extraordinarily influential both politically and culturally. He has been credited with helping Donald Trump secure a second term as president and is also known for respectfully engaging students on campuses across the country about a wide variety of issues, including religion and the Constitution.
