U.S. conservative activist Charlie Kirk honoured in Calgary vigil

Many Calgarians gathered at city hall Sunday night for a vigil honoring Charlie Kirk, the U.S.-based conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, who was fatally shot during a public event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10.

Many event attendees who spoke to CityNews said they were there for similar reasons.

“He was shot for his freedom of speech, for his freedom of speech, he was shot,” one attendee told CityNews. “That should be a concern, we should be standing there, we should be saying something.”

“The second people get gunned down in the streets for their opinions — I don’t care what those opinions are — people like me that are typically quiet are going to come out,” said one man.

“Violence is not OK, stop the violence,” added another attendee. “It’s the people behind the gun — stop hating one another, start talking to someone different than you.”

The event began at city hall around 7 p.m., with songs, speeches, and tributes.

Canadian and U.S. flags were on display, along with placards supporting free speech.

Similar vigils were also held Sunday evening in Edmonton and Red Deer.

Videos from the events also show ‘Make America Great Again’ hats, candles, and the singing of the American National Anthem and ‘Amazing Grace.’

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who has condemned Kirk’s assassination, posted to social media Sunday that she is “moved” by the compassion of Albertans as they show up to honour Kirk.

She also included a video from a concert by country singer Morgan Wallen at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton over the weekend, where the singer sent his condolences to Kirk’s widow, Ericka, and the crowd turned on their flashlights.