PICKAWAY & FAIRFIELD COUNTIES, OH — Hundreds gathered Sunday evening in Pickaway and Fairfield counties to honor conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated on Sept. 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University.
In Pickaway County, mourners met at Ashville Community Park at 6 p.m., while Fairfield County’s vigil began in downtown Lancaster at 8 p.m. Attendees carried candles, wore black, and displayed shirts and pins emblazoned with the word “freedom.” The vigils were part of a worldwide effort to remember Kirk’s life, faith, and political movement.
Speakers at both services reflected on Kirk’s influence and described his death as a turning point for the nation. Several noted that his legacy would continue to inspire future generations.
Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was shot during a stop on his “American Comeback Tour.” Authorities have charged 22-year-old Tyler Robinson in connection with the killing.
Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, spoke over the weekend, vowing to carry on her late husband’s work. “If you thought my husband’s mission was powerful before, you have no idea what you just unleashed across this entire country, and this world,” she said. She added that Turning Point USA’s college tour, radio show, and podcast will continue as scheduled.
Turning Point USA, which has 14 more campus events planned, promotes what it describes as “traditional American values like patriotism, respect for life, liberty, family, and fiscal responsibility.” Erika Kirk urged students to form or join local chapters in her husband’s honor.
At the Lancaster vigil, a small group of protesters appeared but were met with respect, according to attendees, some of whom attempted to engage them in conversation about the meaning of the memorial.
