By Mark Weyermuller, Opinion Contributor
This past week, people across the Chicago area gathered to honor Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed at a campus event in Utah on September 10, 2025. Many are calling it an assassination.
Charlie Kirk was known as a conservative activist and media figure. He co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012 and later became one of the leading voices in the MAGA movement, standing strong with President Trump. He wrote books, hosted The Charlie Kirk Show, and built a national following.
Last Saturday, several hundred people stood on an overpass by the Kennedy Expressway near Chicago and Park Ridge. They waved American flags, held pictures of Kirk, and displayed signs – one read, “We’re all Charlie Kirk now.” Supporters said his message about God, family, and American values would only grow stronger.
On Sunday, more than 2,000 people gathered at a park in Arlington Heights, Kirk’s hometown. They shared stories, prayed together, and sang Amazing Grace. A large shrine was set up with flowers, candles, and cards.
Later that evening, over 1,000 people held a candlelight vigil in Northbrook. The event was organized by Turning Point USA members, including local students. Another shrine was built, filled with flowers, candles, and notes.
I last saw Charlie three months ago at the TPUSA Education Summit in Tampa, Florida. I asked him, “Is there hope for Illinois?” He said he wasn’t very hopeful. He talked about how many suburban counties that used to be Republican had now turned Democrat.
A major celebration of life will take place on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, home of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals. The indoor stadium seats 70,000. President Trump is expected to attend, even as temperatures in Phoenix top 100 degrees that day.
