Hands clasped and swayed through the air, and others grasped candles dripping wax as prayers rippled through the crowd.
Hundreds of people from Licking County and across the state assembled at the Licking County courthouse in Newark on Tuesday, Sept. 17, to commemorate the life of Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old conservative Christian activist and ally of President Donald Trump.
Kirk was shot and killed Wednesday, Sept. 10, during a public appearance at Utah Valley University.
Read more: A college campus, a fiery speaker – and then a single gunshot
Reactions to the assassination were swift across the country, with dozens of candlelight vigils hosted in the days after. At Trump’s order, flags at the White House and all public and federal buildings flew at half-staff for three days.
“He was probably one of the most eloquent speakers of our time,” said Jade, who attended the vigil and declined to provide a last name. “I think he stood up for a lot of Americans that didn’t quite know how to express how they feel and get their viewpoints out there.”
The vigil was organized by Newark resident Kristofer Bryslan, who said it was to honor Kirk’s life. Attendees from across Licking County and beyond heard prayers from more than a dozen local religious leaders.
“[Charlie Kirk] did a good job of getting the gospel out,” said Jason Offenbaker, who was handing out bibles near the front of the crowd.
Local Republican political leaders, including Newark City Council members Beth Bline, Jeff Rath and Michael Houser, and Ohio Rep. Thad Claggett, were in attendance.
“For a lot of the people here, Charlie stood for a lot of things they’re for,” Houser said. “I think that people certainly felt, and I certainly felt, like his passing was kind of an attack on them.”
“He had so much life ahead, and he had already accomplished so much,” Houser added. “When something like this happens … people just came together. We have unity around the path forward, and that’s a path of reaching out to people with love.”
Though the vigil was peaceful, Newark Police officers were on standby, and members of the Proud Boys, a far-right extremist group, monitored the event.
At one point, a car drove past the vigil, and the driver began arguing with attendees. Malcolm, one of the Proud Boys, said some vigil attendees and other nearby drivers responded, and the original driver “realized he might suddenly have to answer for what he was doing, that there might actually be consequences.” The driver left after a few minutes, and Malcolm said no one was injured.
“We’re here [at the vigil] just as attendees, but by our nature, we’re always keeping an eye out,” he added.
Logan Pettet stood with friends near the courthouse. He said he was at the rally to remember Charlie Kirk.
“[Kirk] spread his message through debates and political conversations. No one should die because of their political beliefs. Everyone should have the right to free speech. I may disagree with what someone says, but that doesn’t mean I want them to die.”
Julia Lerner, Jack Shuler and Doug Swift contributed reporting.
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