Hundreds of people gather at Brevard beach to honor conservative influencer Charlie Kirk
As the sun set over Brevard County Sept. 14, hundreds of people gathered at Canova Beach Park in Indialantic holding up their cell phone lights and candles to honor slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Many in attendance waived American flags, wore patriotic clothing and chanted “USA,” at the vigil, which was organized by Chandler Braid, a member of Youth Republicans of Brevard. The Satellite High senior told the crowd how their attendance was a sign that Kirk’s work will continue.
“Seeing this shows that his message will live on,” Braid said as the crowd cheered.
Kirk, 31, was shot and killed with a single gunshot in front of thousands of college students on Sept. 10 as he spoke at Utah Valley University. He was talking to students as part of his "American Comeback Tour."
Suspect Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested after a relative contacted a family friend, who told authorities that Robinson had "confessed to them or implied that he committed the incident." Authorities said they tied him to the crime through a review of online messages, interviews with his family and friends, and surveillance video.
At the Brevard vigil, there were photos of Kirk on display including a black and white portrait with the words, “A True American Hero.” Candles and flowers decorated the area, as well as quotes from Kirk such as “Never let anyone silence your ‘voice’ even when it’s unpopular.”
The evening began with the crowd singing the national anthem and a prayer that mentioned Kirk’s wife and the two small children he left behind. There were about half a dozen speakers, including Caden Addeo, a Turning Point USA representative from Orlando.