Hundreds gathered at The Landing in Fort Walton Beach for a vigil honoring conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was killed earlier this month in Utah.
Local officials, pastors, and residents emphasized Kirk’s legacy, framing his death as an attack on free speech and calling for unity in the community.
The vigil coincided with a larger memorial service in Arizona attended by national leaders, including former President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance.
FORT WALTON BEACH — Hundreds of residents, local officials, and pastors filled The Landing in Fort Walton Beach on Sunday evening for a vigil honoring conservative activist Charlie Kirk, joining a wave of memorials held across the country since his killing earlier this month.
One organizer, Baylee Elliott, said she was stunned at how quickly word spread for an event that had less than a week to organize.
“Watching the group event page and being like, oh, the numbers went up and numbers went up … it started out as a couple [of people] and then it got to over 800 people reacting,” Elliott said. “This is amazing, you know, and obviously, who it’s for. It’s not about us, it’s about Charlie and what he stood for.”
Niceville City Councilman Doug Stauffer praised the turnout as “phenomenal,” comparing it to other rallies he has seen in the exact location.
“I think it’s conservative country, and I think we need to go ahead and draw those others that think that we’re so bad,” Stauffer said. “They need to come together and realize that we’re not the devil.”
Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden used his remarks to frame Kirk’s killing as an attack on free speech. He reminded the crowd that Kirk “merely held a microphone” when he was fatally shot.
“He was a victim of a terrible act of violence when someone decided to silence his voice that was afforded to him by our forefathers,” Aden said. “This act has ignited a fire throughout this country, evident by events like this, where we stand together united against evil.”
Former State Representative and Okaloosa Commissioner Mel Ponder encouraged residents to consider the legacies they will leave behind in their families and communities.
“Each of you have a legacy,” Ponder said. “Each of you are meant to walk with that passion, that fire, that purpose that transforms lives.”
The Fort Walton Beach gathering coincided with a massive memorial service in Glendale, Arizona, where thousands, including President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance and Kirk’s wife, Erika, spoke in front of thousands to remember Kirk.
Nationally, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA has been hailed by conservative leaders as a martyr for free speech and faith.
Kirk was shot and killed Sept. 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, during the first stop of his “American Comeback Tour.” Prosecutors have charged 22-year-old Tyler James Robinson with aggravated murder and are seeking the death penalty.
Elliott said she hopes to continue organizing events to bring the community together, though no formal plans were announced Sunday. Aden closed his remarks with a prayer for Kirk’s family and a blessing for Okaloosa County.
“May God bless Okaloosa County and may God bless the United States of America,” the sheriff told the crowd.
Pro Communi Bono
St. Francis De Sales, Ora Pro Nobis!
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