Yesterday, a large vigil took place on the Oakland University campus in remembrance of the conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, Charlie Kirk.
The evening was hosted by student organizations, including the Network of Enlightened Women at Oakland University and the College Republicans. People from Oakland University’s student body, residents of Oakland County and Macomb County were some of the communities gathered to show their support and prayers for Charlie Kirk at 7:30 p.m., on Monday.
Candles were handed out at the beginning of the evening, the crowd decorated in red and holding signs voicing their support. There was a heavy police presence on campus, including OUPD and 21 area law enforcement agencies; 102 total officers were in attendance to guarantee a safe environment. Multiple news outlets covered the evening, including Fox 2 News and CBS Detroit. According to OUPD Police Chief Mark Gordon, the crowd contained approximately 1000 to 1500 people.
Before the start of the event, Turning Point USA leadership shared their messages for holding the vigil.
“I think it’s sad that people are still protesting at a time where political violence has become so prominent in our country…The first time I ever met Charlie, I was in a long line of students expecting a quick hello, but met with a long, genuine conversation. He loved everyone as Jesus loved all of us, and I’ve had people from the left contact me and say ‘I’m so sorry, this is not how it should be. We should be able to have a calm conversation about our differences,’” Malachi Cattanach, President of Turning Point USA at Oakland University, said.
Walking through the crowd, attendees expressed similar sentiments of faith, urging others to “do all things through Christ.”
Speaking among the protestors lined up against the Oakland Center, they delivered an alternative perspective: “Yes, Charlie Kirk’s death was not ok; gun violence in any setting is not ok, and that’s what we must remember. I think the issue within America is gun violence, which does not just affect political figures, but also children in schools and gang violence. It’s sort of interesting to see so many people gathered for only his death, which was also the same day of a school shooting and the day before 9/11 — it overshadowed those events,” Rylee Marshall, a freshman, said.
Another remark was made voicing an additional point of view: “Everyone has the right to believe what they believe. I would just ask to think for yourself. If something feels like hate, I think your subconscious should kick in,” a student who wished to remain anonymous, said.
The service began at approximately 8:00 p.m. Seven speakers in leadership positions of Republican organizations shared their memories of Kirk and their messages for moving forward:
“On Wednesday September 10, heaven welcomed a beloved leader, friend, fighter and most importantly a father and a husband. Charles James Kirk ran into the arms of Jesus Christ. He spread nothing but the truth, love and most importantly, the gospel,” Jaden Bennett, Club America HS Representative, said.
“Tonight we gather in heartbreak, sharing the same grief, sadness and pain. But alongside that grief, we also share a deep anger. And let me say this clearly, it’s ok to feel angry; anger can be powerful, but it must never turn to political violence,” Tyler Soncrainte, Youth Chair of the Oakland County Republican Party, said.
“As a country we are so divided and the only way to fix that is through open discourse,” Krish Mathrani, Youth Chair of the Michigan Republican Party, said.
Throughout the speeches, the crowd could be heard chanting “Christ is King”, “USA”, “We are Charlie” and various prayers. Members of Turning Point USA who met Kirk admired his commitment to family and faith. Speakers conveyed the feeling that Kirk’s assassination was not only an attack on Christians and Conservatives, but for every American’s First Amendment rights.
According to USA Today, vigils in Iowa, Florida, East Lansing, Mich., Phoenix, Ariz. and many more places across the country, have or will host public vigils for the late conservative activist. It is notable that OU’s vigil was entirely peaceful, despite worries by many students that disruptions would break out.
The night closed with not only a moment of silence, but also a moment where Republicans and Democrats, supporters and dissenters alike, exercised their freedom of speech.
