In the glow of flickering candles, roughly 2,000 people filled a park in Bradenton to honor Conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated just days ago at an event in Utah.

Most in the crowd never met Kirk personally. But for those who did, the night was a chance to grieve and to share memories of the man they say left a mark on their lives.

Kelly A. Walker, who described herself as one of Kirks friends, said he was kind, open-minded, a loving husband, a devoted father, and a very very faithful friend. Charlies passing has only inspired us to fight harder in his honor."

Will Witt, another speaker at the vigil, worked with Kirk at Turning Point USA, the group Kirk founded to bring more young people to the Conservative movement. It was a Turning Point event during which Kirk wa

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