Norwalk gathers for Kirk vigil

NORWALK — A group of about 130 people gathered Saturday evening at Suhr Park for an event described by organizers as a "Vigil for Charlie Kirk." Kirk, a conservative podcaster and founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed at an event held at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 10. His death drew national headlines, but in Norwalk the gathering carried a quieter tone — part revival meeting, part memorial service. A small band played religious songs, a local minister spoke, and organizers led several prayers. Co-organizer Amber Gilliam said she viewed Kirk less as a political figure than a spiritual one and focused on not only memorializing Kirk but on what she feels is a larger issue of faith. "We are here in remembrance of Charlie Kirk, but it's way bigger than just him," she said. "It feels like a personal attack on faith, on the truth and the direction we should be going." Gilliam described Kirk as someone who articulated scripture with conviction. "He speaks the Bible. He speaks what is true and he's not sorry about it," she said. "Sometimes it's hard to hear the truth, but it's still the truth. When you say a man is a man, a woman is a woman — that's in Genesis." Asked about Kirk's more controversial remarks, Gilliam framed them as part of his uncompromising style. "He might've said things that hurt, but that doesn't make them untrue. He was saying what's in the Bible, not just his opinion." That thread carried through other attendees. Trent Peterson and his wife, Janet, said they saw Kirk as a man "strong in his faith" whose message inspired them to gather despite the criticism. "They tried to snuff it out," Trent said. "But after this happened 10 million more people said they wanted to stand up." Trent acknowledged that Kirk's bluntness often caused trouble. "He could have framed things better, including some comments on race," he said. "I don't think he was racist. He was only 31. He could have changed his delivery as his message matured." He added that Kirk's critics often misunderstood him. "He should've never used 'blacks' as an example," Trent said. "It comes across very racist, but I think he was trying to point at affirmative action. What he really wanted was everybody to be the best they could be." Janet Peterson emphasized that the evening was about faith and unity. "There is only one man who was ever perfect, and that was Jesus," Janet said. "Charlie made mistakes, but political violence has no place in America." John Gentry compared the vigil to a church service, not a rally. "It felt like a revival," Gentry added. "Prayers, music, people of faith standing together." Police presence was visible, with at least two uniformed officers standing watch and several others rotating through. Attendees also noticed several armed individuals in the crowd, including one man openly greeting people at the entrance. Despite concerns about a possible counter-protest, the event remained entirely peaceful. No disruptions were reported, and attendees said they appreciated the calm.