Hundreds Gather at Charlie Kirk Vigil in Hellertown

Several hundred people gathered to pay tribute to slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a candlelight vigil in Hellertown’s Water Street Park Sunday evening.

Organized on Facebook by Katelyn Opdyke and Haleigh Oliemuller, the 8 p.m. event was held on the park’s basketball court and was led by Pastor Keith Strunk of Saucon Community Church in Lower Saucon Township.

“God is calling this nation to do something different than it’s been doing,” Strunk told attendees, many of whom walked to the park from surrounding neighborhoods.

Strunk said people who were inspired by Kirk during his life have been angered by his murder on Sept. 10 during an outdoor appearance in Utah. The 31-year-old’s assassination has been a polarizing topic on social media and beyond, and has sparked arguments about the limits of free speech.

Strunk said anyone struggling to cope with Kirk’s death can take comfort because as a born-again Christian he is in heaven.

He also quoted Kirk’s widow, Erica, in telling attendees that “the taking of one will raise up millions.”

“Charlie Kirk is not dead,” he said. “Charlie Kirk will never be dead, and the message Charlie preached and taught will never, ever die.”

The hour-long vigil included prayer and a moment of silence, as well as other speakers who testified to Kirk’s impact on their lives.

Madeline Reid said Kirk promoted conversation with individuals who didn’t necessarily share his own political and religious views.

“Perhaps the biggest thing I gained from his influence was faith,” she said.

Reid said she believes Kirk’s death has touched a nerve with many Americans because “on some level, we are all Charlie.”

Erica Maychuk told attendees that Kirk “loved everyone” despite being “hated and mocked” by detractors.

“We must continue to fight the good fight,” she said.

Kirk was known for his appearances on college campuses and for being particularly influential among young voters in the 2024 presidential election, but Strunk noted that he wasn’t formally educated. Instead, he said Kirk leveraged his drive and “brilliance” to fight and win converts for an America that reflects Christian values.

“We are in moral chaos,” he asserted. “Our nation has never been so filthy and wicked and evil.”

Strunk urged those who attended the vigil to become involved in local politics, to continue the crusade he said Kirk was on; something he referred to as “Charlie’s challenge.”

“Make your voice heard,” he told the crowd. “Charlie Kirk is the example.”

Near the end of the vigil, Palisades School Board member and church member Linda Wenhold offered a prayer that echoed Strunk’s remarks.

“We ask you to help us turn from our wicked ways,” she prayed.

The event concluded with lit candles being held in tribute to Kirk and the singing of “It Is Well Together.”

Strunk also encouraged attendees to visit a table staffed by the church where Bibles were being given out.

“Many good churches are represented here tonight,” he said.

Hellertown Police were present throughout the event at the entrance to the park, where they directed traffic in and out.