ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Hundreds gathered to honor the life of a controversial activist Saturday. Charlie Kirk was shot and killed earlier this week on a college campus in Utah.
A man, used to draw a crowd of supporters and protesters, was peacefully remembered Saturday night near the UNM duck pond, as some people shared that they didn’t always agree with Kirk’s opinion, but they don’t support the senseless loss of life.
Just days after controversial conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at a Utah college, people in Albuquerque gathered on the University of New Mexico’s main campus Saturday night to pay their respects. “This really has impacted us. To be honest, it really affected me. I cried for a couple of days, and we’re here because we understand what it’s like to be silenced as Indigenous people,” said Elvira Carlston.
The UNM chapter of Turning Point USA, an organization Kirk co-founded, hosted the memorial service. Kirk often drew hundreds of people when he spoke, debating those who had opposing views of him.
His events are often filled with supporters and protestors alike. During the memorial, people expressed sadness over Kirk’s death and said there is no need for political violence.
“Regardless of his political beliefs, viewpoints, affiliations, opinions, the answer to disagreement is never violence,” said Benjamin Fernandez, an attendee. Praying for those he left behind.
“You know, she thought she had a whole lifetime with him, and it was just taken in a moment of seconds. Just because somebody didn’t agree with what you had to say, or didn’t agree with the same faith values that you have,” said Kimberly Carlston, an attendee.
The memorial was peaceful the entire time. UNM and APD officers were present to monitor the crowd. Just a month ago, Kirk spoke at Legacy Church on the west side of Albuquerque. The last time Kirk was at the UNM campus was in 2022, and three people were arrested.
