Large crowd gathers in vigil for conservative activist
A sea of people lit up the darkness of Marketplace Park in Valencia with candlelight on Wednesday evening, in a vigil honoring the memory of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Among the soft flickering movement were American flags, signs and banners sprinkled within the crowd, including one that read “Jesus is King.” Some people wore red, white, and blue and others wore a plain white shirt with the word “Freedom.”
Nearly 2,000 people of all ages were present to hold a candlelight vigil for the conservative political activist, entrepreneur and media personality exactly a week after he was shot and killed at Utah Valley University.
Kirk was kickstarting his “American Comeback Tour,” a speaking debate series hosted by his organization, Turning Point USA, when he was assassinated. He died Sept. 10.
Saugus High School senior Ashley Stuart, who founded her school’s Turning Point USA chapter as a freshman, led the effort to organize the vigil alongside a team of student activists and volunteers, welcoming the community to pay their respects.
“Tonight, we are going to honor the memory of Charlie Kirk by doing what he would do,” Stuart said to the growing crowd. “We are going to engage in civil conversation. We are going to accept all that come in the name of peace and unity, and we will pray for peace, unity and love before we begin.”
Among those in attendance who took the podium to share a few words were Stuart, her sister Hailey Stuart, Santa Clarita Councilman Jason Gibbs and William S. Hart Union High School District governing board members Erin Wilson and Joe Messina. Pastor Mauricio Ruiz of Elevate Church led the prayer.
Representatives for Turning Point USA Anthony Cabassa, Sonja Schmidt, Kailey Lankford, and Bella Bunce were also present to participate in the candle lighting and shared a few words.
“I can tell you he had an innate way of touching your heart,” Ashley said as she recalled the first time she attended a Turning Point USA event in Phoenix. “He reminded us to stand firm in our voice, even when challenged. To let our values guide us in every part of life. He also emphasized the power of free speech and open dialog, teaching us that honest conversations are essential for growth, unity and keeping our community strong.”
Wilson reflected that Kirk’s death impacted people so deeply that they remember precisely where they were and what they were doing when they first heard the news.
“Decades from now you will still remember where you were and how you felt,” she said. “It’s difficult amongst the grief how a tragedy, how a tragic situation could possibly be for good … Don’t let Charlie Kirk die in vain. Let’s see how much God can make of this tragedy.”
As darkness set in, Hailey boasted about Ashley and her ambition and drive to create a space for students to engage in dialogue. Hailey helped co-found the Saugus High Turning Point USA chapter.
“Even though she’s my younger sister, in more ways than I could count, she has inspired me, challenged me, and reminded me of what it means to live with purpose,” Hailey said. “(Charlie Kirk) was a vessel for the truth … Charlie was bold and unwavering in his commitment to shaping the next generation and engaging in the political arena.”
Gibbs applauded the young student activists for their dedication and passion to hold a vigil for someone who’s shaped them into the leaders they are today.
“I never had the honor of knowing Mr. Charlie Kirk personally, but anyone with a cell phone and some sort of Instagram account undoubtedly saw some of his debate videos that would always make you think, make you smile, or make you wonder why someone would have walked up to that microphone,” Gibbs said, drawing cheers and applause.
“There’s no shortage of people today who just want to talk about Mr. Kirk as some sort of polarizing figure whose faith and his conviction challenged many of the modern societal views that we deal with,” Gibbs added, “But that is often the mark of someone who believed deeply, of someone who believed in public engagement as not just as an opportunity to hold a platform, but a responsibility to try and change the mind and hearts of all for the better.”
“Don’t let his life be wasted,” Messina said during his speech. “He knew he was in danger every time he went to those rallies, but he went anyway … If you believe his message, carry it on.”
