KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Members of the Kansas City community gathered Tuesday night at Mill Creek Park in Kansas City, Missouri, for a vigil for conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
Kirk was murdered on Wednesday, Sept. 10, while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University outside of Salt Lake City.
Since then, social media has been flooded with people speaking out about Kirk's assassination. Some of that outcry has flowed into vigils and gatherings in the KC metro area, as hundreds of people lit candles and left flowers for the political activist.
"He wasn't even a politician, he was an activist, yet he was impactful," The Cure Church pastor and vigil organizer Jeremiah Hicks said. "There's a lot of people that have been shocked by this and hurt and I think it's important for us to pray."
Kirk reached millions as an activist with Turning Point USA and a leader for the conservative movement.
"Even if you don't necessarily believe everything he said or agree with everything, it would still open up your mind and get you to question things," Rachel Gaubb said.
Kirk's influence spanned to many in the younger generation, which is why many young people decided to attend Tuesday night's vigil.
"I think he gave young people the courage to stand up for their values, their morals and their faith," Isaiah Kelso said.
While many at Tuesday's vigil supported Kirk's messages, there were a few who showed up against it. KSHB 41 News asked the counter protesters if they would like to share their message, but declined interviews.
Tuesday night involved a lot of prayer and worship. Those who attended explained Kirk's death puts the risk of political speech in a new perspective.
"I hope that people feel more comforted, the ones who feel afraid or feel that freedom of speech is now infringed upon," Hicks said.
Earlier Tuesday, prosecutors in Utah charged Tyler Robinson with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, two counts of obstruction of justice, two counts of witness tampering and committing a violent offense in the presence of a child. Prosecutors said they intend to seek the death penalty.
The Kansas Republican Party was one of several groups that generated awareness of Tuesday night's vigil in Kansas City.
"The assassin may have silenced one voice in Charlie Kirk, but that person lit the match that will ignite the will of millions of people," Rob Fillion, executive director, Kansas GOP, said early Tuesday night. "Charlie spoke to the people and the younger generation about core human principles. He wasn't afraid to debate those that didn't agree with him and he did so without violence, but with an exchange of ideas. We lost a true warrior, but one with a legacy that will be generational. "
KSHB 41 reporter Isabella Ledonne reports on stories about government accountability. Share your story idea with Isabella.
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