Well over a thousand people gathered in Bunnell on Wednesday to attend a candlelight vigil for the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The event was held outside the Kim C. Hammond Justice Center, with attendance high enough that sheriff’s deputies had to direct traffic in and out.
The vigil was organized primarily by Ron Long, the secretary of the Flagler Republican Executive Committee. Along with the Flagler GOP leadership, he planned out the hour-long gathering which reflected on the legacy and impact of Charlie Kirk. According to Flagler REC Chair Perry Mitrano, ex-County Commissioner Joe Mullins donated some 200 electronic flameless candles to be used for the vigil.
“The Flagler GOP was honored to help bring this event together in memory of a man struck down simply for trying to expand the lanes of dialogue,” Long said in a statement Thursday. “Out of this tragedy, a movement has grown, and we were grateful to play a part in supporting it. This vigil was made possible by so many: our dedicated elected officials, our sheriff, the Bunnell Police Department, and emergency services; all working together to ensure a safe, family-friendly event where everyone felt welcome. Thank you to all who made it possible.”
Kirk was murdered on Wednesday, September 10th while holding a Q&A at Utah Valley University. The suspected gunman, Tyler James Robinson, is in custody. The incident sparked widespread condemnation, as well as discourse over Kirk’s political career. Flagler, being a predominantly conservative county politically, was one of many which organized in his honor. The vigil drew no counter-protests.
At only 31 years old when he died, Kirk was among the influential voices in American conservative politics. His organization, Turning Point USA, has been instrumental in activating the youth vote for Republican candidates in recent elections. Kirk was also a close ally of President Donald Trump.
“In times of tragedy, it’s essential for us to come together, offer support for one another like we’re all doing right now and reflect on the values that Charlie championed: unity, hope, resilience,” said Flagler GOP Chairman Perry Mitrano during his remarks on Wednesday.
The evening’s speakers included a slew of elected officials: Florida Senator Tom Leek, Flagler Sheriff Rick Staly, Flagler County Commissioner Leann Pennington, and Palm Coast Mayor Mike Norris plus City Council members Charles Gambaro and Theresa Carli Pontieri. They were joined by Flagler Trump Club Chairman Michael McElroy and Republican Club President Regan Hansen.
Also speaking were two local pastors: Rod Palmer of Coastal Family Church, and Larry Hobbs of Flagler County Baptist Church. Flagler REC Chaplain Roland Clee delivered an invocation. A performance of the Star-Spangled Banner was given by Madison Berkowitz.
As with most political gatherings in Flagler County – even on contentious topics or in times of strife – the gathering Wednesday proceeded peacefully and without conflict. That was certainly thanks in part to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office and Bunnell Police Department, who had abundant personnel on the ground and on nearby rooftops.
“Evil has struck America,” Sheriff Staly said during his remarks. “And unfortunately, evil still exists in our country today. But even in times of darkness, a light of compassion, community, and faith can bring us hope. As we remember and pray for Charlie and the Kirk family, let us also pray for America and for everyone involved in this investigation. They need our strength. Let us pray that God heals America, heals our wounds and grief, and the deep divide in our country.”
–Chris Gollon, AskFlagler
Bob says
It is honorable to die for one’s belief. It is murder to kill someone for theirs.
As a liberal, I despised most of Kirk’s position and was horrified by his killing. Violence is the least liberal and most “un-American” path and one that leads to the greatest sorrow for all.
Jake says
The biggest evil in this country is the current leadership beginning with king trump !!!! Did they ever listen to the hatred he preached ??????? Did they have a candlelight vigil for the five people who died because of the insurrection?
Deborah Coffey says
The primary ingredient besides a decision to love, is TRUTH. Unity will be hard to come by with half the country believing this administration’s lies and propaganda on a daily basis, not to mention the bigotry and hateful division it engages in constantly. But, we hope….
Just Saying says
I also was horrified by Kirk’s killing. But, we will never heal while people cling to ideologies that include white supremacy, homophobia and transphobia. I fail to see the Christianity there.
Tired of it says
I must have missed the vigil for all the dead children. Note that 95+% of shooters are male and 54% of them are whit.
SCRUFFY says
Although I was horrified by the death of Mr Kirk, I am getting quite tired of all this fuss over him. One would think that Charlie was some kind of saint, which was far from the case. This was the man that called for Joe Biden’s death & disparaged blacks, trans, guys & jews. The worst result of this unfortunate situation is the Trump Administration using it as an excuse to severely threaten our Ist Amendment Rights.
Jake from state farm says
@Jake – The greatest evil in this country right now isn’t what the left pretends it is—it’s the left itself. They brand anyone on the right as “racists,” “fascists,” and “Nazis,” and that poisonous rhetoric has real consequences. It fuels hate, it dehumanizes conservatives, and it led to a God-fearing, peaceful man—Charlie—being murdered for nothing more than peaceably debating college students. If you truly believe Charlie was preaching hate, then you’ve never actually listened to him. Not cherry-picked clips, not soundbites stripped of context, but really listened to his debates. He challenged ideas, he didn’t incite violence.
But I’m not surprised. After all, you come from the party that still clings to the false narrative that Trump called racists and extremists “very fine people.” That lie has been debunked a hundred times over, yet you repeat it because it fits the story you need to tell yourselves. There’s no reasoning with that level of delusion. The Democratic Party is collapsing under the weight of its own hypocrisy and hate. It’s lost its way, and it will take nothing short of a miracle to save it. And no, Gavin is not your miracle worker.
Now you whine because Jimmy was fired. Well, I support his right to say whatever he said—but rights come with consequences. His employer also has the right to cut ties if they don’t want to be represented by his words. That’s how it works. Funny though, isn’t it? The left cheered, laughed, and danced when Trump was banned from Twitter. You celebrated when conservatives were fired, silenced, and canceled. But now, when it happens to one of your own, suddenly it’s a tragedy. Spare me the tears.
Bailey’s Mom says
We also must have missed the vigil for Melissa & Mark Hortman who were assassinated in their home along with all the children.
We have to find a way to get past our differences, celebrate diversity and appreciate each other. Our leaders need to learn how to compromise and do what’s best for our community, state, country, and our planet.
Steve says
Mr Evil himself Kirk was , he sure wasn’t on the nice side he was full of prejudice see what he would say about blacks
The American Democrat party hates this country. They wanna see it collapse. They love it when America becomes less white.
Among others like MLK which he hated so much as well..I don’t agree with killing anyone but I also don’t agree with using your tongue to destroy others
Steve says
Some deaths are ” worth it”- C.K.
JF says
I can guarantee you that if this were Al Sharpton it Ben Crump cities around the world would be burning to the ground. Enough with the pride flags,painted streets and crosswalks. Enough with all of the racist talk! People we all bleed red. Even if this man were attempting to spread racism or anti LGBTQ statements he was still a human being with a family and children. Y’all need to get a life and face the facts.
Laurel says
This whole thing has been blown out of proportion. Now know that “free speech” is only speech that has been government approved, or you lose your livelihood.
Trump made a complete ass out of himself, and us, in front of the King and Queen of England, and the world, when he berated our country, mispronounced a country he supposedly saved, and proved his severe lack of knowledge of geography.
No retribution for you today.
Sick of the hate says
F__K Charlie Kirk and the hate he spewed out into the world. His murder was a tragedy, but so is a candle light vigil for someone so vile.
BIG Neighbor says
Some of our leaders have stated we can’t allow tragedies like this to be normalized. Those were the same words I used in a comment on this forum over ten years ago regarding the crescendo of active shooter incidents. We’re all in denial if we think being indignant and shutting “others” out is the answer. That’s how children behave, taking sides on a playground. We are failing our young people if we don’t recognize that provoking one another to hatred, especially for a living, is the least adult thing to do. It breaks people and breeds isolation, the largest risk of all, Colossians 3:21. There is nothing more stressful than to put someone in a position where they feel like they have no means to connect, adapt and change to the environment. Maybe if we weren’t so mean to one another, there wouldn’t be so many socially awkward young people finding isolation behind a gaming console or dark web community….honestly.