College Republicans at the University of Kentucky hosted a candlelight vigil in memory of Charlie Kirk, a conservative political activist.

On Sunday, Sept. 14, more than 100 UK students and Lexington, Ky., community members came together at Memorial Hall Green to honor Kirk’s memory through song and prayer.

Kirk was shot and killed on Wednesday, Sept. 10, while speaking at Utah Valley University, according to the Associated Press. Kirk was the co-founder and president of the conservative nonprofit organization Turning Point USA (TPUSA), according to their website.  

Both College Republicans at UK and UK’s TPUSA chapter declined to comment at the event and directed the Kentucky Kernel to statements made on Instagram.   

Among those speaking at the event were College Republicans at UK President Nathan Smith and Vice President Bella Webb, President of TPUSA at UK Brady Salmon and United States Congressman Andy Barr.   

Logan Bryant, a junior finance major at UK, said he was a “huge” fan of Kirk and has listened to Kirk’s words more than anyone else in his life.

“He (Kirk) made such an impact on my faith walk, how I view the world and how I view Christians’ role in politics,” Bryant said.

Amber Chaney, a senior business and communication major at UK, said she noticed the event happening from across the street and decided to stay and participate.

“I think that an event like this is peaceful,” Chaney said. “It is amazing for Republicans and Charlie Kirk supporters to come here and just pay their respects and do so in a peaceful way.”

At the vigil’s close, attendees stayed to sing songs such as “Amazing Grace” and “The Star-Spangled Banner” while many held American flags and lit candles. 

After the opening prayer and remarks from event organizers, Barr led the crowd in a prayer and said his message to all attendees was to “honor Charlie.” 

“Charlie Kirk would be himself inspired with the outpouring of love, support and these lights that symbolize not only a great life extinguished too young, but lights that represent the freedom of our country and the future generations that will make sure it is never extinguished,” Barr said.