The Manitowoc County Republican Party and Turning Point USA remembered a fallen conservative activist last night.
Close to 200 people gathered in Washington Park for a candlelight vigil for Turning Point CEO Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed last week while holding an event at Utah Valley University.
The crowd was given signs reading “We are all Charlie Kirk now.”
Speakers at the vigil included State Representative Paul Tittl, who offered a prayer for Kirk, followed by County Board Chairman Tyler Martell reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
After two Bible verses were read, there was a time of musical worship.
The event ended with a moment of silence. Manitowoc County Republican Party Chairman Collin Braunel expressed his feeling about the event in one word: “wow.”
“It shows the impact that one man has had on the world,” he explained. “And the amount of lives that his words have touched, it’s really a beautiful thing.”
Collin Braunel (left) and Turning Point USA Member Luke Spykstra (right) speaking at a Charlie Kirk vigil in Manitowoc’s Washington Park.
Turning Point USA Member Luke Spykstra then spoke to the crowd and thanked Manitowoc for turning out to support Kirk, even though he’s not originally from the area.
He said it’s been a tough week.
“For the entire Turning Point community, for the country, for the conservative movement,” he noted. “And it’s just been overwhelming all the support.”
He also praised Kirk as a generational leader, saying that Generation Z could become the most conservative and faithful generation in centuries thanks to Kirk’s vision for Turning Point. Spykstra also said that conservatives need to be ready as Erika, Charlie’s wife, takes over for the organization.
He also told the crowd to volunteer for their party and knock on doors during the upcoming Spring and November General Elections in 2026.
“Ultimately, we are just trying to save this country,” he exclaimed. “Trying to save it from the radical left, who took Charlie down. “We’re not going to back down. We’re not backing down today. We’re not backing down tomorrow. We’re not backing down next year. We’re not backing down in 2028; we will never go away. That’s what Charlie has taught us. We are never going away.”
Braunel also told Seehafernews.com that the party is ready and focused going into 2026.
Kirk’s funeral will be held on Sunday, with a viewing at Faith Church in Manitowoc, doors opening at 12:30 p.m.
