FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Hundreds gathered Sunday night at New Covenant Community Church in northeast Fresno to honor conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed last week during an event at Utah Valley University.
The vigil, led by Cornerstone Church Senior Pastor Jim Franklin, focused on prayer and unity. Franklin, who met Kirk during a 2022 visit to Fresno, described him as a passionate man of faith.
“I think when you see tragedy like this, especially the horrific images that we saw of one moment speaking to a crowd-expressing his feelings and beliefs, and the next moment struck down, that is nothing more than a great shock,” Franklin said.
He added that Kirk’s approach was often misunderstood.
“In all the times that I’ve heard him speaking personally and that I’ve watched him, I’ve never seen him be hateful,” Franklin said. “Sadly, many times we think when someone disagrees with us, that must mean they hate us. We as a society have got to get above that.”
In anticipation of potential protests, Fresno police were on hand to ensure the event remained peaceful.
Organizers said the gathering was meant to reflect on Kirk’s life and influence, not politics.
