Hundreds Gather Across US for Vigil Honoring Slain Activist Charlie Kirk

A series of vigils and memorial events were held to remember conservative political activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot on the Utah Valley University campus. A large vigil in Dublin, Ohio, saw political figures like Sen. Jon Husted and Ohio governor candidate Vivek Ramaswamy paying tribute, while a major prayer vigil at the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. drew over 85 members of Congress and featured speeches from House Speaker Mike Johnson and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who highlighted Kirk's significant influence on reshaping the Republican Party and unifying President Trump. Utah's governor disclosed that the arrested suspect in Kirk's assassination was romantically involved with a transgender roommate and held leftist views, a detail that is expected to further polarize the national discourse. The widespread mourning and political commentary reflect Kirk's impactful role in conservative activism and his close ties with prominent Republican figures. These events underscore the deep political and social divisions ignited by his tragic death.