HOUSTON – Hundreds of people filled Discovery Green Park in downtown Houston Sunday night to honor late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot last week while speaking at Utah Valley University.
With American flags waving and cell phone lights glowing, supporters sang, prayed and shared memories of Kirk, who founded the national youth political group Turning Point USA.
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“I broke down crying,” said Pastor Richard Vega, who founded At His Feet ministries. “You don’t meet a lot of individuals that are bold with their faith and that are as rooted in their faith. When I found out he was gone, I just sat in my car and wept.”
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Vega said Kirk had been a personal friend who often championed his ministry.
“Charlie had a heart for pastors and a heart for community,” Vega said. “He was a bold man of God, a loving father and husband, and somebody who cared about people across this country.”
Jacob Way, founder of a political consulting company called Red State Solutions, said he felt called to organize the event only a day earlier.
“Yesterday morning I woke up and had what I’d define as a divine calling to step up and organize a prayer vigil,” Way said.
Way, who has been involved with Turning Point USA for more than a decade, said Kirk’s way of debating stuck out.
“All he wanted to do was have a healthy discussion with your neighbor and with people that you disagree with. We cannot let that legacy stop.” said Way.
For supporters like James Owen, Kirk’s influence was deeply personal.
“Charlie Kirk is a lot of the reason why I am and who I am. Why I decided to come out of a private life and speak the things that I feel to my audience,” said Owen.
The vigil ended with prayer and song as the crowd held up flags and cell phone lights.
“We’re gonna pick up the torch and we’re gonna run,” said Vega.
Kirk’s memorial service is scheduled for next Sunday in Arizona.