A large crowd gathered at the Manitoba Legislative Building on Tuesday evening to pay tribute to Charlie Kirk, who was hailed as a martyr. Kirk, a 31-year-old American conservative activist, was shot during a speaking engagement at a university in Utah on Sept. 10.
Attendees of the vigil lauded Kirk for his unwavering commitment to his beliefs. Collin Watson, a former candidate for the People’s Party of Canada, led the opening prayer, expressing reverence for Kirk’s dedication to spreading religious teachings.
Around 1,500 people, according to estimates by legislature security personnel, congregated with signs showing support for Kirk and his principles. Some attendees draped themselves in American and Canadian flags while listening to speakers cite passages from the Bible. The gathering included moments of silence, chants of “Charlie! Charlie! Charlie!”, renditions of “Amazing Grace,” and the U.S. national anthem.
David Zacharias, donning a T-shirt declaring “We Are All Charlie Kirk Now,” praised Kirk’s bold conservative stance and labeled him as America’s most diligent grassroots activist. With over 10 million followers on Instagram, Kirk engaged in debates on various topics, including immigration and abortion.
As the co-founder of Turning Point USA in 2012, Kirk played a pivotal role in garnering support among young voters for Donald Trump and the MAGA movement. He also hosted a talk radio show called “The Charlie Kirk Show” and authored several books. Kirk vehemently opposed liberal viewpoints on issues such as gun control, climate change, civil rights, and LGBTQ+ matters.
Zacharias described Kirk as a warrior in America’s cultural battle, mobilizing students across numerous campuses to provide clarity amidst societal turmoil. Kirk advocated for Christian moral values and the integration of the Ten Commandments into legislative and policy-making processes.
Nate Roopchand, an attendee from Winnipeg, highlighted how Kirk’s legacy inspired a new generation to uphold his beliefs. Lisa Chenier, another participant, emphasized the importance of free speech and the right of young individuals to express their opinions.
Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old from Utah, faces charges, including aggravated murder, in connection with Kirk’s tragic death. U.S. prosecutors have announced their intention to pursue the death penalty in Robinson’s case.