Charlie Kirk vigil held at Columbus State University accompanied by protest

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — A vigil for conservative activist Charlie Kirk was held on the Columbus State University campus on Sunday.

A heavy police presence surrounded the campus as students, politicians, and Columbus citizens gathered to mourn Kirk.

The vigil was led by strong testimony and song. Event coordinator Regina Liparoto explained the importance of Kirk’s work.

“We need that closure so that we can move on and continue his work,” Liparoto said. “But more importantly, we are in spiritual warfare with our youth, and Charlie was working that, and he didn’t rest. And we aren’t going to rest either to continue his mission.”

The vigil was also met with protest from some Columbus State University students.

Multiple students held signs, critiquing the rhetoric of Kirk. Some even screamed out the name “Trey Reed,” the Delta State University student who was found hanging from a tree.

The protesters shared their thoughts on the vigil being held on campus.

“I understand the principle of somebody losing their life, nobody deserves that,” said CSU student Chora Lockett. “However, this man has been spreading hatred for many years, and this it’s not only about women, immigrants and people of color, especially when it comes to African American, you know? And also, Columbus State has a big African-American community. So what does that say to your students to allow something like this to happen?”

Although this vigil took place in Columbus, tens of thousands of mourners gathered Sunday at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, to say goodbye to political activist Kirk. He was gunned down on Sept. 10 while making a public address in Utah.