Winnipeg vigil for Kirk draws 2,000 mourners

About 2,000 people held a vigil Tuesday evening to remember American conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot to death last week as he spoke to university students in Utah.

They gathered at the steps of the Manitoba legislature, holding lit candles and posters bearing Kirk’s name and photo. Several attendees wore T-shirts with the slogan “We are all Charlie Kirk now.”

Several speakers discussed Kirk and his imprint on U.S. politics; some recited Bible verses, including Collin Watson, who opened the night with a prayer and referred to Kirk as a martyr.

“We should all use Charlie as an example as how to discuss things with people we disagree with,” he told the crowd.

Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, was shot dead Sept. 10 while speaking at a public debate.

At the vigil, attendees held Canadian and American flags side by side. One attendee held a poster with the phrase “We love you Charlie” on it.

Jere Tetrault said he was shocked by the public nature of Kirk’s killing.

“It shows us that society is crumbling,” he said. “We have enough crisis, enough dreams lost, enough trouble going around. We don’t need public assassinations.”

While he didn’t agree with all of Kirk’s views, Tetrault said there are lessons to be learned from the 31-year-old’s death.

“No matter your opinion or your political beliefs or your religious beliefs, listen to people, because everybody is human. Everybody wants the same thing; everybody wants fullness, happiness, life, joy, prosperity, peace,” he said. “Listen before you act.”

Patrick Allard, who gained notoriety for opposing COVID-19 mandates during the pandemic, hosted Tuesday’s event. He thanked the crowd for attending, and in return, they chanted Kirk’s name before observing a moment of silence.

Kirk’s death drew local and international attention and controversy. In Manitoba, Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine was asked to apologize for sharing a social media post critical of Kirk. Fontaine issued a written apology after sharing another account’s post on social media which labelled Kirk as a racist, sexist and “white nationalist mouthpiece.”

“The man stood for nothing but hate… I extend absolutely no empathy for people like that,” the post read, in part.

Progressive Conservative Leader Obby Khan called for Fontaine to be booted from cabinet, but Premier Wab Kinew stood by her, saying he doesn’t believe in “cancel culture.”

Tyler Robinson, 22, has been charged with seven offences, including aggravated murder.

nicole.buffie@freepress.mb.ca