Vigils honoring Charlie Kirk and denouncing political violence were held across the country Friday night, including in Augusta, Bangor and Portland.
Kirk, co-founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed Wednesday during an appearance at Utah Valley University. Kirk was known for debating college students on campuses from a variety of political perspectives.
More than 100 Kirk supporters gathered in Monument Square in Portland, and in the Bangor area, a “solemn salute” vigil was held at the Joshua Chamberlain Bridge.
An organizer of the Augusta vigil, who also serves as the communications director of the Maine Republican Party, said she hopes Friday’s events bring people together.
“It’s a prayer ceremony like I said, to pray for our country and especially pray for his family, so the message we are trying to get across today is hug your loved ones, pray for our country, pray to your god, root deeply in your faith, and come together as a community,” Kristina Parker said.
The vigil was peaceful and respectful, a stark contrast to Wednesday’s violence.
“The violence needs to stop. We should be able to have debates without violence in disagreements, and be respectful of each other’s perspectives of life,” Augusta vigil attendee Lisa Heil said.
Another vigil-goer expressed hope that vigils like this would help the country come together and lower the temperature in politics.
“There’s a lot of hate and I think people don’t have a good outlet for that right now. And they are struggling with how to handle that,” Jonathan Martell, another attendee, said. “You’re not always going to agree but violence isn’t the answer.”
