LONG BEACH, Calif., Sept. 17 (BTVN) — Dozens gathered by the water along the Long Beach Peninsula on Sept. 17 for a candlelight vigil honoring the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, an event organized by the Turning Point USA club at California State University, Long Beach.
Participants formed a loose semicircle near the shoreline as dusk settled, holding candles that flickered in the ocean breeze. Organizers opened with a moment of silence before student speakers recalled Kirk’s campus visits and online influence, framing the event as both memorial and call to resist political violence. Several attendees placed flowers and handwritten notes beside a printed portrait of Kirk, then bowed their heads for a nondenominational prayer.
“Tonight is about dignity and remembrance,” a student organizer said, addressing the crowd through a small portable speaker. “We wanted to gather where the city meets the sea, to honor a life that stirred debate and inspired action.” The remarks drew applause from students, alumni and community members.
The vigil remained peaceful. Volunteers wearing lanyards guided people to the makeshift memorial and handed out electric tea lights to those who arrived after the initial candle lighting. A brief a cappella rendition of “Amazing Grace” was followed by short testimonials from students who said Kirk’s work spurred them to become more civically engaged. Others spoke about the need to separate grief from partisanship, saying the vigil was intended as a quiet observance.
Wednesday’s vigil joined a succession of memorials nationwide following Kirk’s killing earlier in September. Turning Point USA-affiliated chapters have helped coordinate many of the gatherings, while local churches and community groups have hosted others. Organizers in Long Beach said the waterfront setting offered space for contemplation and a visible, public tribute.
The vigil concluded with attendees forming a line to place their candles along the edge of the walkway overlooking the bay. After a final moment of silence, organizers thanked the crowd and asked participants to leave the area quietly and peacefully.
As the final candles dimmed, attendees lingered in silence by the water, many saying the gathering offered a rare moment of unity in a divided time.
