Hundreds of supporters gathered over the weekend at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. for a prayer vigil honoring Charlie Kirk, a significant conservative activist who was assassinated at Utah Valley University.
The turnout was so overwhelming that people began lining up long before the event started, wrapping around the Kennedy Center. Many Arizona officials took to social media to express gratitude.
"Incredible! There's a line already wrapped around the building here at the Kennedy Center. An hour and a half before doors open for the prayer vigil. Charlie was so loved," stated Kari Lake.
Vigil Turnout
Arizona State Senator Jake Hoffman, who organized the vigil, opened the event to the public due to what he described as "an overwhelming outpouring of support from supporters" of Kirk.
Jake Hoffman reported that 85 members of Congress, Trump administration officials, and other dignitaries attended the gathering.
During the vigil, Hoffman addressed the crowd, particularly younger attendees: "If you are in here, and you're under the age of 35, and Charlie Kirk touched your life, let's hear you." The crowd responded enthusiastically to his call.
"We are all Charlie Kirk now. You are all Charlie Kirk now," Hoffman emphasized during his remarks.
Upcoming Memorial Service
Turning Point USA, the organization Kirk founded, has announced a public memorial service will be held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Sunday, September 21. The event will begin with doors opening at 8 a.m. and the program starting at 11 a.m.
Turning Point USA has emphasized, “Charlie’s life was short, but it was full. It was defined by truth, anchored in faith, and devoted to the country he loved.”
President Trump's team has since confirmed on social media that he will attend the memorial service and will award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The vigil and upcoming memorial reflect the significant impact Kirk had on conservative political movements and youth activism throughout his career.
“We honor him not only with our words, but with our actions. We will move forward together, fighting harder, standing taller, and refusing to surrender.” Turning Point USA commemorated.
