Young advocate organizes local vigil for Charlie Kirk

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Here in Chattanooga, community members gathered at the Riverfront to mourn the loss of Charlie Kirk, a man who lost his life while sharing what he believed was his absolute truth.

Nick Bitzer, the organizer of the vigil, said the news of Kirk’s death left him stunned.

“My mom called me that morning to tell me about what happened to Charlie Kirk, and I was in denial. Like there’s no way somebody would actually do this,” Bitzer recalled. “Soon thereafter I learned that it was true. Unfortunately, I came across the video, and it made me upset and made me mad. It made me want to just reach out to everybody and say, ‘What are we doing?’”

Bitzer, a young conservative, said he quickly felt called to act.

Wanting to honor Kirk’s life and legacy, he organized the Riverfront vigil to bring people together.

“I’m just doing this to reach out to everybody and come together as a community,” he said. “I want to spread what he lived for and share the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The vigil also comes as Kirk’s assassination appears to be sparking courage for many patriots to stand up.

The Langner family, supporters of Charlie Kirk, said they hope the tragedy can lead to unity.

“Right now, I think this is the time that, whether you’re left or right, we all need to start coming together and realizing that political violence is not the answer,” they said.

Bethany Brady, a young advocate who attended the vigil, said Kirk’s voice made an impact on her generation.

“This just means a lot because our country is so divided right now with all the hate and the war going on,” Brady said. “Charlie Kirk was a huge voice for the American youth. I loved his faith and what he stood up for, and I’m so proud of Nick for putting this on.”

Jonah McClure, another young advocate, described Kirk as a role model.

“For me, the death of Charlie Kirk means the loss of a true American patriot,” McClure said. “As a young man of faith, I feel like I’ve truly lost one of the best role models that I could have had.”

McClure added that he believes Kirk’s death should encourage unity during challenging times.

“We’re about to go through possibly one of the most challenging times in our recent history,” he said. “I truly believe that we need to stand together because a house divided against itself cannot stand. Unity right now is the best thing we need.”

The Langner family also shared their gratitude for the vigil.

“I’m happy that we could all gather here together and just make a difference and have his death mean something,” they said.

As the nation grieves this loss, thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the family of Charlie Kirk.