KEARNEY — They gathered to mourn, to pray, to be together. Candles were lit, American flags waved throughout the crowd.
Approximately 150 people attended a vigil at the UNK bell tower Thursday to mourn and celebrate the life of conservative commentator and activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed Wednesday on a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University.
The vigil, which was organized by the UNK College Republicans and UNK’s Turning Point USA chapter, started off with prayer. Throughout the 30 minute vigil, students and members of the community had the opportunity to address the crowd and share their memories of Kirk.One man who addressed the crowd, Glen Trapeur, met Kirk personally from his time in Arizona working on the congressional campaigns for Blake Masters.
Others took the opportunity to lead the crowd in prayer, praying for Charlie Kirk’s family, praying for the victims of the 9/11 attacks that occurred 24 years ago, and for the unification of the nation.
People gather around the UNK bell tower Thursday during a vigil in remembrance of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. / Alex Hammeke, CentralNebraskaTODAY.com
Multiple Turning Point USA college chapters have held vigils held Thursday night to mourn, honor, and celebrate Kirk’s life. Chapters at Florida Atlantic University, The University of Indianapolis, LSU, Michigan State, Oklahoma, and Texas A&M are just a few who have announced that they will hold a vigil in honor of Kirk.
Kirk took interest in Nebraska politics, specifically regarding Nebraska’s electoral voter system.
Pillen released this statement yesterday:
“The news of Charlie Kirk’s assassination is devastating, not only for conservatives, but for supporters of liberty and free expression everywhere. Charlie stood fearlessly, not only for his own beliefs, but for engagement and debate. Indeed, he was doing just that when he died. He inspired countless young people with his principled activism, including on campus right here in Nebraska.
Suzanne and I are deeply saddened by this act of senseless political violence, and I ask that all Nebraskans pray for God’s grace and comfort to be brought to his wife and young kids. We must condemn and end political violence in America.”
