Aiken, SC, September 16, 2025

News Summary

On a somber evening, supporters in Aiken, South Carolina, gathered for a prayer vigil honoring Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist tragically shot in Utah. Organized by the Aiken County Republican Party, the event served as a platform to condemn political violence and promote community unity. Among the attendees were local leaders who expressed sorrow and emphasized the need for peaceful dialogue across political divides. The vigil stood as a testament to solidarity while raising awareness about the tragic repercussions of political strife. A public memorial is also planned in Glendale, Arizona.

Aiken Community Holds Vigil for Charlie Kirk Following His Fatal Shooting in Utah

Supporters in Aiken, South Carolina, gathered on Monday evening to hold a prayer vigil in memory of Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist who was shot and killed during an event in Utah. The shooting occurred at a gathering hosted by Kirk’s organization, Turning Point USA, at Utah Valley University.

The vigil commenced at 5:30 p.m. at the intersection of Hayne Avenue and Laurens Street, organized by the Aiken County Republican Party. The event aimed to condemn political violence while fostering community unity among attendees.

Among those present were notable figures such as South Carolina Representative Bill Taylor, Councilwoman Kay Brohl, Chairman Gary Bunker, and Aiken County Sheriff Marty Sawyer. Many participants expressed their sorrow over the tragedy and highlighted the importance of coming together in times of loss and conflict.

Attendee Sean Bill expressed the painful irony that Kirk’s death prompted the community to unite. Activists at the vigil emphasized that the tragedy transcended political lines, impacting everyone regardless of their political views. They called for an end to political violence, advocating for peaceful discussions and the resolution of disagreements instead.

Furthermore, participants like Stephanie Scott stated their intention to spread Kirk’s messages of unity and uphold Christian values that he espoused. The gathering served not only as a tribute to Kirk’s legacy but also as a commitment from the community to move forward together in peace.

In ongoing investigations, the FBI reported that DNA collected from a towel surrounding a rifle at the shooting scene matched that of Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old suspect charged with the crime. Robinson was scheduled for his initial court appearance on Tuesday.

Additionally, it was clarified by SRP Federal Credit Union that they were not associated with the vigil, which was explicitly organized by the Aiken County Republican Party.

A public memorial honoring Charlie Kirk is set to take place in Glendale, Arizona, at State Farm Stadium on a date to be determined. The doors to the venue will open at 8 a.m., with the official program starting at 11 a.m.

This vigil in Aiken symbolizes a community’s commitment to unity and healing while standing firmly against political violence. It reflects a broader call for reflection on how communities can engage in constructive dialogue despite deep-seated political differences.

Key Information at a Glance

• Event: Prayer vigil for Charlie Kirk in Aiken, SC
• Date and Time: Monday, 5:30 p.m.
• Location: Intersection of Hayne Avenue and Laurens Street
• Organizers: Aiken County Republican Party
• Notable Attendees: Bill Taylor, Kay Brohl, Gary Bunker, Marty Sawyer
• Suspect: Tyler Robinson, age 22
• Next Court Appearance: Scheduled for Tuesday
• Public Memorial: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ
• Memorial Start Time: Doors at 8 a.m., program at 11 a.m.

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Additional Resources

• WRDW: Prayer Vigil for Charlie Kirk
• Wikipedia: Charlie Kirk
• WJBF: Vigil for Charlie Kirk
• Google Search: Charlie Kirk
• WFXG: Prayer Vigil in Aiken
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Charlie Kirk
• Post and Courier: Vigil for Charlie Kirk
• Google News: Charlie Kirk
• WRDW Video: Charlie Kirk Vigil

Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN

The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.