MORGANTOWN – The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has sparked tributes and vigils across the nation and around the world.
And Monday evening, the WVU chapter of the organization Kirk founded – Turning Point USA – held a candlelight vigil at the Life Sciences Quad.
There was no official head count, but an eyeball estimate would put the turnout at more than 500; and Monongalia County GOP Chair Dale Sparks put it at 1,000. They ran out of the first box of 300 candles and after fetching a second box, ran out of candle sleeves.
Reflecting Kirk’s spirit, the vigil blended Christian hope and faith with a gentle sprinkling of conservative thought. But there was no “we’re right, they’re wrong,” and no harsh words – except from a lone passer-by who shouted a profane curse at the crowd.
There was song and prayer and words of praise for his inspiring leadership and his faith.
Father Brian Crenwelge, pastor of St. John University Parish, opened with a blessing and prayer.
“In this tragic event,” he prayed, “may we strive not for vengeance, but for your justice, which is perfect and merciful.” He asked for healing for Kirk’s family, and all affected, that God would reconcile the disunity that has torn apart the nation, and turn hearts from darkness to light.
Ethan Harvey, student ministries leader at Faith Church International in Fairmont, said that like most of those attending, he never knew Kirk, but felt the pure evil that spurred his assassination, and he wants to carry on Kirk’s torch.
Harvey quoted the words of the first Christian martyr, the deacon Stephen, who prayed as he fell, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” (And, Harvey didn’t mention, one of those participating in Stephen’s stoning became the great Apostle Paul). But, echoing Stephen’s prayer, Harvey said, “We do not respond with hate to hate.”
As Harvey was closing his remarks, the vigil was interrupted by a brief disturbance at the back that required police intervention; when it was clear that everyone was OK, the program resumed.
Gov. Patrick Morrisey provided some recorded remarks. “Charlie Kirk was a friend of mine,” he said. Kirk came to West Virginia to campaign for Morrisey in 2017 and 2018.
“He was an incredible young man. He was an advocate for free speech in a way that you just didn’t see out in the political community.” He went into tough environments and engaged in respectful debate. “Charlie Kirk was a martyr, but we can honor his memory by going out and practicing what he preached.”
And a staff member for Rep. Riley Moore read some remarks from him. “Charlie Kirk’s killer intended to forever silence his light and truth, but did the opposite,” he said. “He sparked a fire that is burning hot across this country and will never be extinguished.”
State GOP Chair and Boone County Delegate Josh Holstein told the crowd he met Kirk when he was a high school freshman, at a high school leadership summit. “I watched the passion and the absolute zeal that that man had, and it was inspiring.”
Monongalia County Delegate Geno Chiarelli said that 10 years ago he stood on the same spot they were gathered and worked a table for TPUSA. He quoted philosopher Soren Kierkegaard: “When the tyrant dies, his rule is over. And when the martyr dies, his rule begins.”
And Monongalia County state Sen. Chris Rose spoke of Kirk’s mission. “We have to take that mission, pick up that mantle, and carry it. When they try to silence one Charlie Kirk, thousands of us have to rise up in his place. But do it peacefully, and do it with the Christian love that Jesus Christ did when he walked over 2,000 years ago.”
Two leaders of the TPUSA WVU chapter closed the vigil.
Vice President Grayson Erhard said, “This movement did not die on Sept. 10. Rather it created a spark and ignited a flame within all of us.”
And President William Kozma said, “Charlie can best be described in one word: Inspirational.”
