Seattle vigil honors Charlie Kirk after assassination

Just hours after Charlie Kirk’s assassination during a speaking event at Utah Valley University, a candlelight “Pray for America” vigil was organized on Wednesday evening at Seattle’s Westlake Park.

Hundreds of Christian worshippers flocked to the downtown square to mourn the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, joining together in prayer, song, and reflection on Kirk’s legacy.

Leading the vigil was Pastor Russell Johnson of The Pursuit Church NW, who remembered Kirk not only as a political commentator but also as a spiritual leader. “His impact on our nation will be talked about in the history books for years to come,” Johnson told the crowd. “He had the ability to distill the issues in such a way that it made sense to the common man.”

Johnson, who knew Kirk personally, said the assassination underscored a deeper crisis. “We got a political problem, we got a spiritual sickness. It’s a rot to the core, and Charlie spoke about these things,” he said, describing the killing as “the most significant political assassination in 50 years.”

Washington State Republican Party Chair Rep. Jim Walsh also addressed mourners, urging them to turn their grief into action. “A day like this combines anger and sadness and regret… But what I challenge you to do with all the feelings you have over this assassination of young Charlie Kirk, is channel those feelings into positive action,” Walsh said. “We have to save this city. We have to save this state. We have to save this nation.”

The Post Millennial’s West Coast editor and Talk Radio 570 KVI host Ari Hoffman told the crowd, “Charlie was a light in the darkness. We need to make America debate again.”

Hoffman praised Kirk’s accomplishments, saying, “Charlie Kirk moved mountains and changed the course of history. Look what Charlie accomplished in 31 short years. There’s no reason any of us can’t do the same.” He added, “Charlie defended Judeo-Christian values, the same values this country was built on. Look around—when those values are abandoned, our city and state fall into ruin."

“Charlie’s voice lives on, but more than that, it’s up to all of us to carry on his message,” Hoffman said.

Kirk’s last visit to Western Washington was in May 2024, when he spoke at the University of Washington. The line to see him stretched across campus, reflecting his influence and ability to mobilize young conservatives.

Even in the midst of grief, Johnson encouraged attendees not to be silenced. “The reality is that they may stop his voice, but they’re not gonna stop all our voices. We’re getting louder than we were before, and we’re not backing down.”

The event was not without tensions. Seattle Police arrested two activists after they allegedly assaulted TPUSA Frontlines reporter Cam Higby, who was covering the vigil. Witnesses also reported spotting a handful of Antifa and other activists in the crowd, recording the gathering.

For most who attended, however, the night was defined not by confrontation but by remembrance. Many described Kirk as a man whose influence extended beyond politics, inspiring both civic engagement and renewed faith among his supporters.