Willits Residents Hold Candlelight Vigil for Charlie Kirk

This story aired on the Mendocino News Network on September 19, 2025 it was reported by Damian Sebouhian.

About 175 residents gathered Monday night for a candlelight vigil honoring Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, who was shot and killed last week at Utah Valley University.

The vigil, held at Babcock Park at 7:30 p.m., was titled A Moment for Charlie, A Moment for Peace, A Moment for Unity. It was organized by Rebecca King, a Willits resident, who opened the evening by explaining her motivation.

“God put this on my heart and Charlie would have wanted us to be bold in our faith, so here we are,” King told the crowd. She said she had sought advice from her pastor, who encouraged her to simply quote Kirk.

King shared one of Kirk’s most personal reflections: “The most important thing is my faith in my life.”

Deacon Adam Thrift from Calvary Chapel Willits offered a prayer over the gathering, which maintained a consistently solemn and Christ-centered tone. King spoke about Kirk not primarily as a political figure, but as a man of faith.

“Charlie Kirk is the founder and president of Turning Point USA, a national student movement dedicated to identifying, organizing, and empowering young people to promote the principles of free markets and limited government,” she said, adding that his values were rooted in biblical truth and resonated with young people “seeking clarity, direction, and meaning.”

Several attendees were visibly moved to tears as King described Kirk’s role as a husband and father of two young children, saying he exemplified “what their futures could look like.”

Quoting Kirk, King said: “All death can do to the believer is deliver him to Jesus. We all know he has now heard the words, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’”

King also noted a surge of interest in Kirk’s work since his death, citing spikes in social media followers, podcast rankings, and preorders for his upcoming book, Stop in the Name of God: Why Honoring the Sabbath Will Transform Your Life, scheduled for release in December.

“This is revival. This is the Charlie effect,” King said, describing what she saw as a spiritual awakening.

The vigil concluded with participants sharing personal reflections, biblical passages, and words of support for Kirk’s family. As attendees slowly departed into the night, many continued quiet conversations about faith, loss, and hope for the future.