Safety Prioritized at Local Charlie Kirk Vigils

Vigils for Charlie Kirk take place around Hudon Valley. Photo by gags9999 via Flickr

Thousands have gathered across the country with heads bowed and candles in hand as they mourn the death of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. Given the politically charged comments Kirk made at various events, talk shows and podcasts, organizers emphasized safety and peace at all of the gatherings. 

On Sept. 15, a crowd of nearly 500 people with candles in hand attended a vigil in Goshen, New York. Attendants held candles as the sun set and wore merchandise honoring Kirk, as well as “Make America Great Again” hats. This vigil was organized by Orange County Young Republicans and included a speech from Assemblyman Brian Maher and scripture readings by Rev. Father Joel of Saint Mary’s Parish in Port Jervis.

The vigil was accompanied by heavy law enforcement, including police officers from the Village of Goshen Police, N.Y.S. Police, Orange County Sheriff’s Department and more from surrounding areas. 

After the event, Maher took to Facebook and wrote, “I mourn for Charlie because I am a human being, not because I belong to a certain political party or religious denomination… You don’t have to agree with every bit of who Charlie Kirk was to be inspired by his authenticity and his willingness to sacrifice his life for what he believed in. Just be the best version of yourselves.”

Though it was reported that there were no acts of defiance at this vigil, Orange County Young Republicans created a memorial for Kirk, which was destroyed in less than 24 hours. The suspect has since been arrested. 

In response to this, Orange County Young Republicans wrote on Facebook, "We are distraught by the destruction of our memorial for Charlie Kirk. Even after his death, hatred ran so deep that someone chose to desecrate his memorial, shatter prayer candles, and destroy flowers placed in his honor.”

Many vigils followed as the weekend continued. On Sept. 19, Hudson Valley residents took to the Walkway Across the Hudson to pay their respects. 

At 6 p.m., a small crowd of about 30 people stood by the entrance of the walkway, holding hands in a circle as one woman led the prayer. 

“We need you, Lord, in this nation,” she said. “We need you, Lord, to lead our faith. We need your love, Lord. In unity, we need your love. The love that comes from Jesus Christ, the protector of our faith.”

The half-hour-long vigil was quiet; it was not interrupted by anyone who objected to Kirk’s views, only a man who repeatedly yelled, “Keep going, don’t turn back,” to a young boy on a bicycle passing by the prayer circle. 

Two police officers, who are regularly stationed on the Walkway, were standing a few feet away from the circle, keeping watch over the vigil. The officers said they saw the flyer on Facebook and decided their presence might be useful. 

Another large crowd of over 500 people visited the Clarkstown Reformed Church to hold a prayer on the evening of Sept. 20. The church had security at the doors, ensuring no weapons or dangerous objects were brought to the vigil.  

This ceremony took place inside the church, as opposed to many others that relied on the sunset and candles to foster the environment. Still, the pews were filled, and many visitors stood in the back toward the entrance of the church to pay their respects. 

Guests held up small electric candles as the priest led the mass, with a photo of Kirk propped up under a cross and between large bouquets on the altar. Despite a peaceful ceremony, many took to Instagram to share their opinions under a post by @rocklandreport. 

The final vigil in the Hudson Valley over the weekend was held on Sept. 21 at Town Field in Highland, New York, and organized by residents Alexandra and Christopher Fattibene and Nicole Teresa. Town Supervisor Dave Plavchak and pastor Steve Sherwood from Clintondale Church took to the crowd with words of praise for Kirk as the small crowd sat in lawn chairs and held candles. 

A flyer explaining safety precautions and a donation jar to help cover the $600 cost of police presence at the event were displayed at the vigil. Fattibene explained on Facebook that additional proceeds would go towards Turning Point USA, the company that Kirk co-founded.

Though the weekend of Sept. 19 was highly populated with events to praise Kirk, vigils and ceremonies across the country are set to continue throughout the month.