Vigil For Charlie Kirk To Be Held In Parsippany

PARSIPPANY, NJ — Local officials have organized a memorial service for Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist who was shot and killed in Utah on Wednesday.

Kirk, 31, was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University. After two days of searching for the shooting suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson was apprehended Friday morning as the suspected killer, according to reports.

See More: Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk Shot Dead In Utah

The candlelight vigil will be held on Friday night at 7 p.m. in Central Park of Morris County at the intersection of Chris Christie Drive and Central Avenue.

The event was promoted on social media by Parsippany Councilman Justin Musella.

“Violence used to silence must never be allowed to prevail,” Musella said on social media on Wednesday. “I cannot believe what’s unfolding.”

Those looking for more information on the vigil should contact at 862-686-4639.

The vigil was announced after Parsippany Mayor James Barberio issued a statement condemning the assassination and praising Kirk.

In an announcement to Parsippany residents, Barberio called Kirk’s assassination a “cowardly act” that serves as a reminder of “the challenges we face in promoting our values and ideals.”

“Charlie was not just a beacon of hope and a passionate advocate for our youth; he was a devoted husband and father, a guiding light to his beloved wife and children,” Barberio said on social media. “To his family, words seem inadequate to express the deep sorrow we all feel. Please know that you are surrounded by a community that stands with you in this painful moment. Your strength, love, and unity will light your path through this darkness.”

New information on the assassination has many suspecting the act was politically-motivated, with details coming that Robinson had become more interested in politics over the last few years, reports say. Outlets have reported that the bullets found in the suspected shooter’s weapon had politically motivated messages engraved on them.

Kirk’s shooting is the latest of several attacks on American political figures.

In June, two lawmakers and their spouses were shot in their homes in what officials called politically motivated attacks.

In July 2024, President Donald Trump was shot during a rally in Pennsylvania. The bullet skimmed Trump and killed volunteer firefighter Corey Comperatore, who was standing behind the president.

See Related:

• 'Horrified': NJ Reacts After Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk Shot Dead At University Event
• Political Violence Crackdown: New NJ Law Could Toughen Penalties