President Donald Trump urged Americans outraged over the assassination of Charlie Kirk to respond to the shooting peacefully in honor of Kirk’s message of nonviolence. Here in Maine, citizens are preparing to do just that.
Mainers are set to peacefully honor Kirk, founder of the influential Turning Point USA nonprofit, on Friday evening with vigils in Augusta, Portland, and Bangor.
[RELATED: Some Maine Teachers Appear to Celebrate Assassination of Commentator Charlie Kirk…]
“He was an advocate of nonviolence. That’s the way I’d like to see people respond,” said President Trump on Thursday, responding to a reporter from Fox News.
Mainers will mourn Kirk, a Christian husband and father, on Friday evening in the state’s capital with a vigil in Augusta’s Capitol Park.
The event, organized by Maine Republican Party Communications Director Kristina Parker and Bo Ouellette, will begin at 6:00 p.m. in view of the State House and will last for an hour.
“Join us in prayer for Charlie’s family. As a community, we’ll stand in solidarity for our nation,” said the event’s organizers.
According to the event’s Facebook page, over 760 people had responded by Friday morning. Attendees are asked to arrive at 33 Union Street early.
“This is not a political event. As a church and a community, join us in honor of Charlie, in prayer for our nation, and to grieve together,” said the organizers.
Parker has requested donations of candles for the event, stating that they may be needed due to an anticipated “very high” turnout.
“Pastors, or anyone involved with your church…. If you would be willing to donate candles for tonight’s vigil, please message me on messenger. We are expecting a very high turnout out and I’m not sure the local Walmarts can handle it,” she said.
Mainers who want to honor Kirk’s memory, but are unable to get to the state’s capitol, will have the option to watch a live-streamed version of the vigil, or they can attend other vigils organized for Portland and Bangor.
The Portland vigil will take place in the city’s Monument Square at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, organized by Pro-life activist and pastor John Andrade.
Mainers in the Bangor area can attend a vigil for Kirk organized by State Rep. Richard Campbell (R-Orrington).
That event, promoted as a “solemn salute” and “a tribute to Charlie Kirk and the youth of America,” will begin at 4:00 p.m. and last until 5:30 p.m. Attendees are instructed to gather at the Joshua Chamberlain Bridge connecting Bangor and Brewer and should “bring American flags only.”
