By Dan Murphy
On September 14, two vigils were held in Westchester to remember Charlie Kirk. One in White Plains, organized by County Legislator James Nolan, and one in Somers, organized by Gina Arena.
Nolan said on Facebook, “I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended the candlelight vigil on Sunday for Charlie Kirk and to those who helped plan this meaningful event. Together, we gathered peacefully to honor a remarkable patriot, father, husband, son, and human being who lost his life for his beliefs. The cycle of violence must end, and it was inspiring to see people from all parties unite in prayer for peace, for Charlie, for his family, and for our nation. Over 250 people joined us on Sunday, creating an incredibly touching atmosphere.
“As I mentioned during the vigil, we must come together to forge a brighter future for all, and it is imperative that this violence ends. There is much work ahead, and I trust that many will rise to the occasion. Charlie’s mission continues through each of us; we are now entrusted to create a better, safer world. Rest easy, brother—we’ve got this from here!”
Town of Mt. Pleasant Trustee, Laurie Rogers Smalley, said, “ I attended the vigil for Charlie Kirk this evening on the steps of a building where I often visited in my professional and political roles. The steps were different this evening. Front and center was a photo of a young man I had never met. A young man I never knew. A young man I respect and revere for living by the courage of his convictions. A young man who died for those convictions.
“In a society that didn’t accept him as the “norm,” he stood tall in his beliefs and reached out to the youth of our nation. He embraced them, he listened to them, he talked to them. Mostly, he taught them. Through him, they learned that loving God, loving family, and loving country was the “norm”. He taught them to be proud of their faith and their patriotism. He stood up for his beliefs, and for that, he gave his life.
“Well, it’s our turn to stand up for him and for every young person throughout our great country. We the “old”. We need to work together to keep his message alive and help it grow even stronger.
“Tonight I witnessed the “best” of my fellow Westchester residents. We came together: Old and Young, Black and White, Hispanic and Asian, Male and Female, all there with one common mission. To honor and grieve a young man taken way too soon. Led by a young politician who knows the sting of losing a beloved brother and enhanced by an impromptu chorus of patriotic songs and chants, we were there to be seen and to be heard. Later on, a beautiful young woman led her fellow church members in songs of praise. She went on to read to us from Scripture and was so moved that tears streamed down her face and those of many of us in the crowd. In her, we saw the anguish we all feel for the loss of this young man.
“Charlie Kirk can not return to us in the flesh, but he can return to us in spirit. In fact, he already has. Let us keep his light alive and help our country to heal and move forward. May God Bless the family of Charlie Kirk. May he rest in eternal peace.”
In Somers, Assemblyman Matt Slater said, “Charlie Kirk’s life was taken by hatred, but his legacy calls us to something higher. As a father myself, I cannot help but think of Charlie’s wife and young children. At Sunday’s vigil in Somers, we asked God to comfort them in their grief, to give them strength in the days ahead, and to surround them with love and support from this great community and from a nation mourning with them.
“Political violence, no matter who it targets or where it comes from, has no place in America. We must reject hatred and choose civility. We can argue fiercely about ideas, but we must never lose sight of the dignity of the person across from us. If we do that, Charlie’s death will not be in vain, and we will leave our children a nation worthy of their hopes and dreams.”
Congressman Mike Lawler, commenting on Kirk’s death, said, “Charlie Kirk was a champion of free speech who engaged in conversation with anyone regardless of their viewpoint. If someone agreed or disagreed with him, he would take the time to listen and debate, as we all should.
“His life was cut horrifically short today when he was assassinated at one of those very events he was so well-known for. But what was most important in his life was being a loving husband and caring father to his young family. As the father of two young kids myself, my heart is incredibly heavy for Charlie’s wife and children tonight. May we all uplift them in prayer and hold them in our hearts.
“Charlie dedicated his life to engaging young Americans and fostering open and honest dialogue—the very values our country was built on—especially with those who disagreed with him. Political violence has no place in America. We must stand united against hate and ensure justice is served. My prayers are with Erika, his family, and all those mourning this tragic loss.”
Journalist Selina Zito wrote, “If you were looking for young people distraught over the brutal assassination of Charlie Kirk in the streets, you were looking in the wrong place. They were in church.”
Church attendance increased drastically upon Kirk’s death. And interest in groups wanting to start a Turning Point chapter in their community or school has increased tenfold in recent days. There is one Turning Point Chapter in a Westchester High School. We hope to write more about it and see what other Westchester high schools have expressed an interest.
Charlie Kirk embodied the American Dream. Born with nothing, he outworked his political opponents and built something outside of the mainstream media.
And he was a Christian, and an unabashed believer in Jesus Christ. Nobody should die for that.
