Vigils are being held across the country in memory of murdered conservative activist Charlie Kirk. In Central Florida Thursday, hundreds of people came out to the Lake County Courthouse to call for an end to political violence.
Kirk was shot and killed while debating students on the campus of Utah Valley University on Wednesday.
In front of the courthouse for the one-hour vigil, people prayed, listened to speakers, and sang Amazing Grace, a popular hymn played at Christian funerals.
Kirk’s main audience was young people who he debated online and in person on college campuses. Among those at the Lake County vigil was James Jacunski, a junior at Tavares High School. He reflected on what Kirk meant to him as a young conservative.
“He wanted to have open and respectful conversations, and most times he would appear at colleges, and he would emphasize being respectful. And I think that was very integral. And to me, he was a model of how to articulate myself better and to continue to stay respectful regardless of a disagreement,” said Kirk.
Susan Hooper, who wore a crucifix around her neck, was also at the vigil for Kirk, who was an Evangelical and increasingly spoke about his Christianity during the last year of his life.
On a podcast episode, Kirk was asked how he wanted to be remembered and he famously answered, “I want to be remembered for courage and for my faith…the most important thing in my life is my faith.”
Hooper got emotional talking about what Kirk had meant to her, and how his murder has impacted her.
“I just loved Charlie, and I watched him on TV all the time, and I'm just heartbroken. I really am. He was such a wonderful guy, kind guy. He believed in God and Jesus, and I just felt like I had to come. I'm so glad to see so many people here that, yeah, that gives my heart a little lift and it needed it,” said Hooper.
In the wake of Kirk’s murder, political leaders including Governor Ron DeSantis have called for unity and an end to political violence.
Kirk was 31 when he was killed, and leaves behind two young children and his wife.
