Local Republican groups set to host Charlie Kirk vigil in Manatee County
Local Republican groups will hold a vigil for conservative political activist Charlie Kirk on Tuesday night at G.T. Bray Park in Bradenton.
The event follows Kirk’s assassination last week at Utah Valley University during a stop on his “Prove Me Wrong” campus tour. Federal prosecutors were expected to file a capital murder charge against Kirk’s suspected assassin, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, on Tuesday, the Associated Press reported.
Kirk, who co-founded Turning Point USA, used his platform to debate college students on political topics, including his controversial stances on immigration, race, gender and Christian nationalist ideals. He has been widely credited with bolstering President Donald Trump’s support among youth in the 2024 election.
Kirk’s death has prompted a firestorm of political division across the country. As some mourn Kirk’s killing as an assault on free speech and the loss of a conservative hero, others have denounced what they view as Kirk’s legacy of spreading hateful and discriminatory rhetoric against minorities, promoting conspiracy theories and stoking further political division in the U.S.
On the event page for Tuesday’s vigil in Manatee County, organizers described Kirk as “the greatest conservative voice of our generation.” They also noted that Kirk was a part-time resident of Longboat Key, where he bought a condo in 2019.
New College announces Kirk tribute statue
Also on Tuesday, leaders of New College of Florida in Sarasota announced that they are commissioning a statue of Kirk to “honor his legacy and incredible work.” They said the statue will be privately funded but placed on the public college’s campus.
“Charlie Kirk knew that universities are ground zero for free speech and the marketplace of ideas,” New College President Richard Corcoran said in a news release. “These ideas are not luxuries, but the foundation of a free republic. His life and tragic death remind us all that a nation cannot survive if it abandons these rights.”
The announcement was met with mixed reactions on social media, reflecting the deep divide over Kirk’s influence.
“Hahaha. Love this for the left,” one commentor wrote in all caps.
“What ‘legacy’ is there to be left?” another said. “He was a podcaster that spewed hate and nothing more.”
Vigil for Kirk in Manatee County
Tuesday night’s vigil in Manatee County is hosted by the Sarasota-Bradenton Young Republicans, Pinellas County Young Republicans and Tampa Bay Young Republicans, according to a Facebook event page.
The Manatee County Republican Executive Committee held a separate vigil for Kirk at De Soto National Memorial on Sunday.
Organizers of Tuesday’s event originally planned to hold it at Loaded Cannon Distillery in Lakewood Ranch, but said they moved it due to high interest. As of Tuesday morning, about 850 people said they were going or interested in the event on Facebook.
It will take place at 6:30 p.m. at the amphitheater at G.T. Bray Park, 2910 51st St. W., Bradenton.
Organizers encouraged those who attend to wear “patriotic attire” and bring signs, flags or “other expressions of support,” as well as folding chairs. Parking will be available next to G.T. Bray’s baseball fields.
“We look forward to a wonderful tribute to Charlie (Tuesday), and together, we will stand in unity to honor a life taken too soon, and a fellow member of this community, and commit ourselves to carrying forward a brighter future for America,” the Sarasota-Bradenton Young Republicans said in a social media post.
Manatee County Commissioner Tal Siddique, who also serves as Vice Manatee Chair of the Sarasota-Bradenton Young Republicans, helped organize and promote the event.
“I am excited for what is going to be an amazing turnout (Tuesday),” Siddique said in a Facebook post. “I hope to see you all there!”
Organizers address potential protest
Organizers also addressed the possibility of the event drawing protesters, as well as security concerns about holding the vigil outdoors.
“While we are not expecting protesters, there is always the possibility some from the community may come out to do so,” organizers said on Facebook. “We ask everyone in attendance to ignore these protesters and to not engage.”
They said law enforcement and plainclothes officers will be present.
This story was originally published September 16, 2025 at 2:01 PM.