Hundreds gather in Forest City, and thousands watch online, to honor Charlie Kirk

More than 500 people filled the POPS amphitheater on the evening of Sept. 11 for a celebration of life honoring Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist fatally shot last week while speaking in Utah. The livestream has been viewed more than 5,000 times.

The vigil was organized in less than 24 hours by Rutherford County Commissioner Hunter Haynes, with support from Commissioner Donnie Haulk. The program included hymns, prayers, and pointed tributes that emphasized courage, faith, and unity. 

Haynes said town officials quickly approved to host the event as a community gathering. Security inside the venue was provided by volunteers with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, and the event was coordinated through ROCO Relief, the nonprofit Haulk founded following Hurricane Helene.

“Over 500 people came out tonight because of what they saw on social media yesterday,” Haulk said. “They’re passionate about it. They’re upset by what happened with Charlie Kirk...and the effort the sniper had in trying to silence Charlie Kirk will be a thousand times, a million times, the opposite.”

Speakers call for courage and unity

State Rep. Paul Scott told the crowd that misplaced reliance on institutions was dangerous. “Government is not the answer to our problems,” Scott said. “Government is the problem when it tries to replace God, family, and community.” Scott is a reverend who also serves as chaplain and hostage negotiator for the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office.

Adam Smith, a former Green Beret and founder of Savage Freedoms, compared the assassination to 9/11, saying it should inspire resolve rather than fear. “Yesterday in so many ways felt very much like 9/11 felt to me,” Smith said.

David Guy, mayor of Ruth and an aide to Congressman Tim Moore, called Kirk “the most humble, gentle, listening person” he had met. “The martyrdom of Charlie Kirk was designed to shut us up. Instead, it should compel us to say, ‘Here am I, Lord, send me.’”

A service of faith

The gathering began with the national anthem and included worship songs such as “Goodness of God.” Pastors urged the audience to live boldly in their faith, often citing Kirk’s favorite verse from Philippians: “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Candles were lit as prayers were offered for Kirk’s family. “What happened here tonight in Forest City is part of something bigger,” Haulk said. “This is just the beginning of a wave that will not be silenced.”

Security questions and investigation

Kirk’s assassination has prompted questions about security at Utah Valley University in Orem, where about 3,000 people gathered to hear him speak. Attendees said they entered without passing through security checkpoints, though tickets were required. About 20 minutes into the event, a gunman fired from a rooftop roughly 200 yards away, striking Kirk in the neck. President Donald Trump later announced his death.

On Sept. 12, Utah Governor Spencer Cox and FBI Director Kash Patel announced the arrest of 22-year-old Tyler Robinson of Washington, Utah. Authorities said Robinson allegedly confessed to both his father and a live-in transgender partner, who is cooperating with investigators. Robinson remains in custody as prosecutors prepare formal charges.

The Forest City vigil took place before news of Robinson’s arrest was made public. WCAB News was the only outlet present for the full event.