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The event, hosted by Tulare-Kings Right to Life, marked the organization’s “Advancing the Mission” gathering at Visalia First Assembly Church. Organizers say the event is the nonprofit’s largest annual fundraiser.
This year was the first time the event had sold out.
“We have hosted this event for 40 years, and we just wanted to make sure people could come and hear what TKRL is really all about,” TKRL Executive Director Ann Marie Paden said.
Inside the church, hundreds of attendees filled the seats, waiting for Kirk to take the stage as the keynote speaker.
But outside, a group of protesters rallied with chants and signs, sharing their concerns about Kirk’s presence in the city.
“I am definitely very, very, very nervous, but I’m also very excited to open up these conversations and see the amount of change we bring with just one protest,” said Yocelyn, a Visalia activist.
Yocelyn told YourCentralValley.com in the weeks leading up to the event that she believed Kirk should not be welcomed in Visalia.
On Tuesday, she was joined by other protesters outside the church, where they met with supporters and were monitored by Visalia Police.
“I don’t believe the Visalia PD being here is necessary, but I do respect them being here,” Yocelyn said. “As long as they remain neutral between both sides and take care of both sides, that’s all I want.”
Inside, Kirk acknowledged the demonstrations, sharing his own thoughts on the protesters outside.
“You guys need better protesters,” Kirk said. “Why don’t you go out and do something actually good for the world other than sitting on a street corner with a sign?”
Despite the tension, the night ended without a major incident, with both supporters and critics leaving with their feelings unchanged about the evening’s keynote speaker.
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