GOSHEN, N.Y. — Hundreds of people gathered in the heart of Orange County on Sunday evening for a candlelight vigil honoring conservative activist Charlie Kirk, less than a week after his death.
Courthouse Square Filled With Supporters
As the sun set behind the Orange County Courthouse, the village square in Goshen filled with an estimated 500 people holding candles. The glow of the courthouse mixed with the flicker of candlelight as the crowd stood in silence, praying and singing hymns in Kirk’s memory.
Local photojournalist Mark Lieb of Rockland Video captured the scene, describing it as a powerful show of support. “I looked but could not find any protestors or people who objected to Kirk’s viewpoint,” Lieb told Hudson Valley Post.
Organized by Local Republicans
The vigil was organized by the Orange County Young Republicans, who sought to provide the community with an opportunity to come together in remembrance. New York State Assemblyman Brian Maher served as the featured speaker.
While Maher did not address the topic directly in his remarks, he is reportedly preparing legislation that would require social media platforms to remove graphic videos depicting violent human deaths.
A Night of Prayer and Tributes
Throughout the evening, supporters prayed, sang, and shared stories about Kirk’s influence. Many participants described the vigil as both a memorial and a patriotic tribute, with American flags visible among the crowd.
Despite Kirk’s status as a polarizing national figure, the gathering was notably calm and unified. No counter-protests were reported at the event.
Kirk’s Ties to the Hudson Valley
Though Kirk was best known nationally for founding the conservative organization Turning Point USA, he did have some connections to the Hudson Valley. According to The Guardian, Kirk applied to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 2011 but was not accepted.
For many in attendance, the vigil was an opportunity to recognize both his national prominence and his personal ties to the region.
Community Response
The turnout underscored Kirk’s influence among conservative circles in New York’s Hudson Valley. Residents noted that the gathering felt more like a community-wide tribute than a political event, with moments of quiet reflection and collective mourning.
Organizers expressed gratitude for the strong response, emphasizing that the event was meant to honor Kirk’s memory rather than engage in political debate.
Looking Ahead
While the investigation into Kirk’s death continues, supporters in Goshen focused on celebrating his life and legacy. With hundreds of candles illuminating the courthouse square, the vigil closed with prayers for Kirk’s family and calls for unity among his supporters.
Leave a Reply