Thousands of people gathered outside Calgary City Hall on Sunday for a candlelight vigil in honor of Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative commentator and activist who was assassinated in Utah.
The event drew a large crowd of supporters, families, and community members who came together to reflect, listen to speeches, and share moments of silence.
Attendees filled the plaza, holding candles, signs, and flags as they remembered Kirk’s influence on public debate and political discourse.s
Organizers described the vigil as a peaceful demonstration of solidarity, noting that the turnout exceeded expectations. Speakers praised Kirk’s commitment to conservative principles and urged those present to carry on his work.
At one point, a speaker told the crowd that “there are a million Charlies,” drawing loud applause and cheers.
Throughout the evening, chants of support were punctuated by applause, and the atmosphere alternated between solemn reflection and energized calls to action.
A number of U.S. and Israeli flags were waved alongside Canadian ones, which supporters said reflected Kirk’s international reach and the values they associate with his movement.
Outside the vigil, a smaller group of counter-protesters voiced opposition to the event. Holding placards and chanting, they accused Kirk of spreading racist and hateful rhetoric and said his views have contributed to division and intolerance.
The Western Standard's Publisher Derek Fildrebrandt spoke with a counter protestor holding a sign calling Kirk a racist. She stated that she worked in healthcare but refused to giver her name.
Despite the opposing groups event proceeded without major incident. Police officers were present to manage traffic and ensure the safety of both attendees and protesters.
