Following the death of conservative political commentator Charlie Kirk, neighbors gathered for a time of prayer and unity. Organizers said they hoped the gathering would help residents put aside their differences and bridge gaps.
BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:
It was a night about faith and unity, as neighbors gathered at Florida’s state capitol for a candlelight vigil. They remembered Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed at Utah Valley University last month. Kirk would have turned 32 Tuesday.
Following the shooting, organizers said they wanted to bridge gaps and create a stronger community.
“Let’s look up from our daily lives. Let’s see the people around us that are hurting and that we have more in common than what we realize and that we can worship together,” said Lauren-Ashley Sims, one of the organizers.
Neighbors said faith brought them out Tuesday evening, and they said they wanted to hold out their hand to the next generation.
“I pastor a church in our community and I just see what’s happening with our young people,” said Brandon Gallups, who drove from Monticello to attend the vigil. “I’m a huge supporter of that, and I just want to be here tonight to support them, to show my love and support for them and what they’re doing. It’s a shame that took tragedy to happen, but it’s a great thing.”
Neighbors are also hoping for a brighter future.
“I hope that they see our young people. I hope that they see what has started,” said Gallups.
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