Honoring Charlie Kirk
Hundreds turn out for candlelight vigil held Saturday for slain conservative influencer in downtown Fort Dodge
-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen <BR> Candles and flags are set to honor conservative Christian influencer Charlie Kirk and his family during a vigil Saturday night on the City Square in downtown Fort Dodge.
-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen <BR> Julie Davis, of Fort Dodge, prays Saturday night at the conclusion of a vigil for recently assassinated conservative Christian influencer Charlie Kirk on the City Square in downtown Fort Dodge.
-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen <BR> Several members of the organizing committee sing along with music being performed Saturday evening during a vigil for recently assassinated conservative Christian influencer Charlie Kirk on the City Square in downtown Fort Dodge.
-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen <BR> Members of the organizing committee that planned a vigil for conservative Christian influencer Charlie Kirk wore shirts with a quote from Kirk on the back.
-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen <BR> Candles and flags are set to honor conservative Christian influencer Charlie Kirk and his family during a vigil Saturday night on the City Square in downtown Fort Dodge.
-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen <BR> Julie Davis, of Fort Dodge, prays Saturday night at the conclusion of a vigil for recently assassinated conservative Christian influencer Charlie Kirk on the City Square in downtown Fort Dodge.
-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen <BR> Several members of the organizing committee sing along with music being performed Saturday evening during a vigil for recently assassinated conservative Christian influencer Charlie Kirk on the City Square in downtown Fort Dodge.
-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen <BR> Members of the organizing committee that planned a vigil for conservative Christian influencer Charlie Kirk wore shirts with a quote from Kirk on the back.
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The memory of conservative Christian influencer Charlie Kirk was honored by about 250 people who gathered on the Fort Dodge City Square Saturday evening.
"He became the voice we needed in these wicked times," said Rachel Beardoin, one of the speakers at the candlelight vigil.
She urged the crowd to "come together, take a stand and be bold."
"We are Charlie Kirk," she said to applause and cheers.
Kirk, 31, was shot to death Sept. 10 at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
During Saturday's event, he was referred to several times as a martyr for his Christian fath and for standing up for his beliefs.
A wooden cross with the words "Come unto me" etched into it plus large photos of Kirk and his family were placed by the steps leading up into the gazebo, from where leaders of the vigil spoke and led the group in prayer.
During the vigil, prayers were offered for Kirk's family, the nation, and even the family of Tyler Robinson, who has been charged with killing Kirk.
During the vigil, those in attendance were repeatedly urged to put their faith in Jesus Christ.
"The most important message Charlie wanted to share was the gospel of Jesus Christ," said Adam Fuller.
Beardoin said she didn't pay much attention to politics before hearing of Kirk because everything seemed negative or confusing. Kirk changed that for her, she said.
"He did such an amazing job in conveying the truth in a way I could understand," she said. "He truly encouraged and inspired me."
She added that Kirk "never forced his beliefs on anyone."
Another speaker, Elizabeth Ruiz, said honoring Kirk's memory "isn't about being red or blue."
"This is about our country," she said. "This is about God."
"Charlie lost his life for practicing the freedom of speech," she said.
"Boldly he stood for his faith," she added.
At the beginning of the vigil, those in attendance were asked not to speak to the news media.
"First off, we ask that no one talk to the press or media outlets to not distract from Charlie's vigil," said Michael Haubrich, who is a candidate for the Fort Dodge City Council.
Haubrich, who gave the vigil's opening remarks, said his short speech was written for him by someone else.