Supporters of slain conservative Charlie Kirk gathered at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse on Sunday.
About 200 people remembered the founder of Turning Point USA, an organization for young conservatives, with prayer, songs and speeches.
“We must, as Americans — whether you are right, left or center — reject nihilism in all of its forms,” said James Fenkner at the event. “Reject it in our schools, in our legal system, in our government, and most importantly, in our souls.”
Kirk was shot and killed on Wednesday while holding a debate with college students at Utah Valley University. Kirk regularly debated students on topics such as abortion, transgender rights, immigration and diversity, equity and inclusion. He electrified conservative audiences, but sparked outrage from some liberals who believed his words were tantamount to hate speech.
He gained fame on YouTube and social media for his campus debates, but his stature rose in 2025 when Gov. Gavin Newsom hosted him on his podcast. Newsom on social media wrote after Kirk was shot: “The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile, and reprehensible. In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form.”
Kirk was one of President Donald Trump’s advisers and is credited for organizing a generation of young conservatives, who saw Kirk as their straight-talking political hero. His star has only grown in death. Trump ordered government flags to rise to half-staff until Sunday to honor Kirk, 31, a devout evangelical Christian who was married with two young children.
Sunday’s event at the Courthouse was one of a few across California, including one at Godspeak Calvary Chapel in Newbury Park Sunday that attracted several hundred people.
“One thing he would always want to be remembered for was his faith,” said Mary Hudson at the Santa Barbara event. “That’s what he said, ‘I want to be remembered for one thing, my love for Jesus Christ. My love for God.'”
Hudson, the mother of pop star Katy Perry, told the crowd that Kirk gave young people a voice.
“I am telling you, once young people get on fire there’s nothing stopping them, cause they have the energy,” Hudson said.
Hudson said “there will be thousands upon thousands of Charlie Kirks start to rise up with their voices” after his death.
Kirk’s alleged killer, Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested on suspicion of shooting Kirk. The shooting was captured live on video and aired widely on social media.