Vigil held for Charlie Kirk
Paul Vozzella
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A vigil was held in Yuma to honor the life and legacy of political activist Charlie Kirk, drawing a significant turnout from across Yuma County.
The event took place outside the Yuma County Superior Court Thursday, where community members gathered in remembrance.
Locals brought candles and stood together in a solemn display of respect for Kirk, whose influence through his organization, Turning Point USA, had left a noticeable mark on the community’s political engagement. The vigil emphasized personal reflections on his character.
Lorna Brooks, a local ballot chaser for Turning Point and the event’s organizer, highlighted that the gathering was not about politics but rather about honoring Kirk’s personal values.
“Not so much about politics and getting people out to vote, but Charlie as a person, and his core Christian values, and how important his family was to him,” Brooks said.
Kirk’s efforts through Turning Point inspired many in Yuma to become more involved in civic life. That spirit was evident among those at the vigil, where importance of community unity and personal responsibility was emphasized.
“That’s what makes this community so special, is that they’re all willing to get together for a cause, and I think we saw that again last night,” said Veronica Frandsen, another local Turning Point ballot chaser.
Frandsen also noted that the vigil echoed one of Kirk’s central messages: Encouraging individuals to actively participate in shaping their communities.
“I think that that was part of the message that we received yesterday while being at the vigil, is that we need to be the change we want to see, get involved and start using your voice for the greater good,” she said.
For those who were unable to attend, a second vigil is scheduled for Friday night at 7 p.m. outside of the Yuma County Foothills Library.