Feel-Good Friday: In the Wake of Charlie Kirk's Murder, Vigils and Vigilance Spread Across the Globe

By Jennifer Oliver O'Connell | 10:40 PM on September 12, 2025
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AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson

With what has transpired this week with the murder of TPUSA's Charlie Kirk and its reflection on the state of our country, the heaviness of 9/11 remembrances, and marking an anniversary of a family loss, it's been a challenge to dredge up the "feel goods." But goodness, and reasons for gratitude and wonder, are all around us, even when they seem far away. 

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In the midst of covering Kirk's death and the poignant and powerful address from his widow Erika, I have discovered the outpouring of love, solidarity, and transformation emanating from Charlie Kirk's life and, now, his death. It is both stunning and inspiring, showing that his life and legacy were not in vain, and an assassin's bullet has not silenced it. In fact, it is spreading like wildfire. 

For this week's Feel-Good Friday, I highlight the vigils and remembrances being offered across America and across the globe to honor the life of Charlie Kirk, and the transformative impact he has made, and continues to make, on a generation of young men and women.  

Read More: British Students 'Saddened and Disgusted' by Charlie Kirk's Murder

Hot Takes: Charlie Kirk Not Only Launched Influential Voices, He Embraced Those on the Margins

It started on Wednesday night and has been happening every night since. From the East Coast, in Brooklyn.

To New York City, where the New York Young Republican Club gathered together hundreds of people to honor Kirk, singing the hymn, "Amazing Grace."

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And in the Granite State of New Hampshire.

But the West Coast would not be outdone. In Kirk's hometown of Scottsdale, AZ, Catholics prayed the rosary.

There were vigils in Utah, across the Salt Lake City area, in Orem, and in Provo.

All the way to the desert of Las Vegas, NV.

And up the Pacific Northwest to Seattle, WA.  

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Conservative radio host and Kirk's friend, Jason Rantz paid tribute and offered words of hope and activation at the Seattle vigil.

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Political candidate Rachel Savage was also activated by Kirk, and was instrumental in organizing this impromptu vigil.

To the expansive lands of Idaho, where they honored Kirk in the city of Boise.

Then hopped over to the Midwest in Lapeer, MI.

Then on to the Aggies at Texas A&M University.

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All the way to the Deep South of Alabama.

The Low Country of South Carolina represented, and Rep. Nancy Mace was in attendance.

But here is the greater power. Countries that look to America and envy our Constitution and representative republic are also seeing all this play out, and they, too are rising up and joining hands.

All the way across the Atlantic and Pacific, first to Sydney, Australia.

On to Germany, where a vigil was held at the U.S. Embassy in Berlin.

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And across the pond in the United Kingdom, where free speech is being stamped out.

The Brits also sang "Amazing Grace," and raised our American flag.

Then there was this powerful speech by a young Briton who pledged to continue the work that Charlie Kirk started and never back down from the fight.

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Finally, in New Zealand an incredible Maori Haka was performed for Charlie Kirk. The Haka is not just a war dance or a cultural tradition, but it is also presented at weddings, funerals, and memorials to show honor to great heroes who have passed on.

WATCH:

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The outpouring of prayer continues for Erika Kirk, her children, and Charlie Kirk's family, and vigils are still being planned all over the nation and the world. Erika's powerful clarion call on Friday night is being fulfilled. 

Dig Deeper: 'We Will Never Surrender’: Erika Kirk Delivers Powerful Words to America After Her Husband's Killing

Erika Kirk promised:

To everyone listening tonight across America, the movement my husband built will not die. It won't. I refuse to let that happen. It will not die.

All of us will refuse to let that happen. No one will ever forget my husband's name and I will make sure of it. It will become stronger, bolder, louder, and greater than ever. My husband's mission will not end, not even for a moment. 

Truly, truly, I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a seed; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. -- John 12:24

Editor's Note: At RedState, it's not all about politics and policy. We like to bring attention to what's good in the world, with columns like "Feel-Good Friday," "Start Your Weekend Right," and "Hoge's Heroes."

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Jennifer Oliver O'Connell

Jennifer Oliver O'Connell (As the Girl Turns) is a contributor at Redstate and other publications. Jennifer writes on Politics, Pop Culture, and the American story, with occasional detours into Reinvention, Yoga, and Food. You can read more about Jennifer's world at her As the Girl Turns website. You can also follow her on X and Facebook.

Story leads: [email protected].

Read more by Jennifer Oliver O'Connell

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