In Their Words: Community Reflections from the Charlie Kirk Vigil

The vigil for Charlie Kirk on the Courthouse Square was not only a time of speeches and prayers from the stage, but also a chance for the wider community to share what his life and legacy meant to them. From students stepping into leadership roles, to pastors reflecting on unity in faith, to civic leaders and everyday residents, the voices that rose up Sunday painted a picture of hope, courage, and conviction.

What follows is a collection of direct reflections from those who attended and participated in the event. Together, these words capture the spirit of the vigil—a community standing together in faith and purpose, determined that Kirk’s message of boldness, truth, and devotion to Christ would not end with his passing but instead grow stronger in the days ahead.

Savannah Rosbury – President, TPUSA at Tennessee Tech; attends The River Community Church

“There will be a memorial/vigil for Charlie on the Tennessee Tech campus at the LSC Lawn, near the new Lab Science Commons building, this Thursday at 6:30 PM. It’s designed for the next generation and all students, but everyone is welcome. You’re invited to bring flowers, posters, or anything that shows how Charlie made an impact in your life—anything is welcome. We hope to see you there.”

Havanna Davison – TPUSA at Tennessee Tech; host of Sacrificially Speaking podcast; member of The Bend Church

“I was deeply honored to be part of the vigil. We’ve been so touched by the outpouring of love and support from our community. It was both heartwarming and a reflection of the holy conviction we share. In the midst of such a heavy moment, seeing people gather in unity, faith, and hope has been incredibly moving. We’ll also be gathering again this Thursday at Tech at 6:30, and everyone is welcome to join us.”

Emily Rich – Student, Tennessee Tech University (English major)

“We will not be silenced. This isn’t left versus right. This is evil versus good. Put on the armor of God, because these days are going to get dark. Read your Bible. Your enemy is not your neighbor—it is Satan. You have a voice. Use it.”

Seth Parkison – Student, Tennessee Tech University, founding Young Republican Party of Putnam County TN

“I’ve always had a desire to be involved in politics and public service. Charlie’s death ignited a fire inside of me to act, not just talk. I’ve decided to launch a Young Republicans group here in Putnam County as a way for students and young adults to step up and lead. Charlie dedicated his life to preserving our freedoms and standing against destructive ideologies—I want to honor that by making a difference locally. If anyone is interested in joining, reach out to me, and I’ll share more information.”


Cameron Williams – Student, Tennessee Tech University

“I think it is good that the community came together to support Charlie Kirk’s message of free speech, and I think we should also strive to promote his message of keeping the peace.”



Pastor Steve Tiebout – The River Community Church

“Yeah, well, I know for our church, so many people followed Charlie, and it was just weird because none of us had met Charlie. But his death really affected everybody because I feel like as we watched his videos, it was like many of us were being discipled, emboldened, encouraged in our faith. As I went through the town the last four days, it was on everybody’s heart and everybody’s mind. What lit my fire, I talked to four or five different pastors, and everybody said the churches were full. That there’s a hunger that’s there. There’s an awakening of a sleeping giant, as someone has said, that we’ve been praying for years for—a spiritual awakening in the Upper Cumberland. We’ve been asking God: can we see a work that can rescue our young people from the insanity going on in the world? Nobody wanted it to come at the expense of a young man’s life. But at the same time, when I heard Erika Kirk speak, and twice she said the same thing—that it was Charlie’s dream to see heaven crowded—it lit a fire.

I literally had a conversation with someone right after the vigil whose brother had been far from God for years. He said this moment woke him up and today he was ready to be baptized. That’s awesome. It’s happening here. It’s happening across the nation. But discipleship is the key—walking alongside these young people and helping them catch the vision for longevity. That’s what Charlie would have wanted.”

Dave Roland – Owner, Roland Digital Media

“God’s Word says, ‘Unless a kernel of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.’ Jesus was speaking of Himself when He said this, but it also relates to us as we live for Him on this earth and die to self. I have never seen a more accurate portrayal of this verse than the life and death of this modern-day martyr, Charlie Kirk.”

Luke Eldridge – Vice Mayor of Cookeville; Youth Pastor

“It was great to hear and see the impact Charlie had on so many. But most importantly it was great to gather and talk about his faith in Jesus Christ. May we all live unashamed of the gospel that has saved us, healed us, and set us free. My challenge as I mentioned before is: do people know about your Lord and Savior? Do they know you’re a Christian? Are we living it out daily for all to see and not just sharing about it on social media? Is it more than just a Sunday morning routine? We need to remember that Charlie would want us to live for Christ daily. Lastly, if you do not have a local church, find one. Charlie encouraged everyone to do that and so do I.”


Scott Parkison – Pastor, Stevens Street Baptist Church

“I was very encouraged by the number of people that showed up to mourn the loss of Charlie Kirk and celebrate his work as a Bible-believing, conservative Christian. People from many churches and denominations united together to remember his impact upon our nation and to renew our commitment for implementing conservative Christian values into our society, culture, and governmental structures.”


Randy Porter – Putnam County Mayor

“This was one of the largest gatherings I’ve seen on our Courthouse Square. The unity, prayer, and community support made it a historic moment for Putnam County, and I’m grateful to everyone who helped make it possible.”

Sheriff Eddie Farris – Putnam County Sheriff

“Safety is always number one. If we can’t keep it safe, we can’t have these events. For Sunday’s vigil, we had over 50 deputies and additional officers on site. Many volunteered their time. We coordinated closely with Cookeville Police, the FBI, and used drones and monitoring tools to make sure the gathering was secure. I thank God for the men and women in our office—they’re Christian people with their hearts in this, and they know how to treat people. This community is special. I truly believe I’m the sheriff of the best county in the state because of the people here. We wanted to do our small part to let this historic event unfold safely. I’m grateful to have been there.”

Shane Warren – Executive Pastor, The Bend Church

“There are moments in history that become defining moments. No pun intended, this tragedy is a true turning point. The assassination of Charlie Kirk will be remembered as not only a defining moment in American history, but possibly in world history. My heart is broken by the deep division I see in our nation and abroad over the most sacred of all issues — the value of human life. My prayer is that Charlie’s death will not further divide us, but instead serve as a catalyst for unity in America, and perhaps even spark the birth of another great awakening.”

Pastor Tim Olivarez – Young Adult Pastor, The Bend Church

“I think it’s pretty amazing that I get to follow Pastor Steve because my perspective is different—I’m not from here. I came from the West Coast, and I know what I’ve seen there. To be in a place where churches and government can unite openly like this—it’s something rare. God brought me and my family here for a reason. We’ve seen young people hungry for authenticity and for God’s presence. They want discipleship, they want to serve, they want realness. And that’s what Charlie embodied. For me, it’s a blessing to raise my kids here in this community, where faith is public and unity is real. God is doing something generational here, and I’m honored to be a part of it.”


Charlotte Sanders – Acting Chair, Putnam County Republican Party

“As Acting Chair of the Putnam County Republican Party, I want to thank everyone who came out to honor Charlie Kirk at the vigil. The turnout was a powerful reminder that our community stands together to reject political violence and to uphold the values of freedom, civility, and service that Charlie championed. In this difficult time, may we channel our grief into unity and constructive action, not division.”

Brenda Martin – President, Republican Women of the Upper Cumberland

“Our small town came together and I felt proud to say this is home.”

Pastor Bobby Davis – Pastor, Life Church

“As one of many local pastors, I was encouraged to see people of faith coming together in unity for our community. I was especially excited to see so many youth standing up for the truth. With all the degradation in our nation, God is raising up many young people in this generation. And Charlie Kirk was very instrumental in making that happen. I thank God for the life of Charlie Kirk and the Turning Point movement. And I truly believe we are experiencing a true turning point.”

Marcia Mullins – Regional Director, National Day of Prayer (Tennessee)

“Psalms 33:9 — With a breath, He can scatter the plans of all the nations who oppose Him, but His own plans stand forever. We push back the darkness and the desires of the Antichrist spirit until Jesus comes to receive us… it’s getting exciting!”

Tara Brzdek – Cookeville resident

“It was wonderful to see so many in our community come together in peace and love to celebrate and honor a true God-loving American patriot. We should continue to pray that this type of unity, along with the loving messages Charlie shared throughout his short life, will continue to blanket our nation in healing and bring our focus back to God and all His glory.”

Ricky Shelton – Former Mayor of Cookeville

“The assassination of Charlie Kirk is pure evil. Few in America—on the right or the left—worked harder to model civil discourse and good-faith debate in the public square. His mission was simple but powerful: to reach across the divide, to encourage honest dialogue, and to confront our differences with speech, not violence. He dedicated his life to engaging directly with those who disagreed, especially young people on college campuses, inspiring a generation to think critically and stand firm in their beliefs and to peacefully speak their mind. Shame on anyone rejoicing in the death of someone they disagreed with politically. Human life is sacred. To trivialize death for the sake of virtue-signaling is cruel and dehumanizing. Political violence can never be tolerated. May God bless his spirit and grant his family peace, protection, and comfort.

And one more thing… his very public death has exposed a very real truth: there is no gray area anymore. There is only good and evil. We need God more than ever!”

Herbert Williams – Co-owner, Reaves & Williams Publishing Group and Highlands Insider

“It was truly heartening to see such a large crowd come together this past Sunday in Cookeville to celebrate the life of Charlie Kirk. The sense of community was powerful—friends, neighbors, and even strangers standing side by side in remembrance. Charlie was a devoted Christian, and it was clear that his faith touched many lives. I was glad to see everyone unite in honoring his memory and the light he brought into this world.”

David & Caroline Hunter – Founders, Rockin the Rock Ministries; David is also a columnist for Highlands Insider

David: “I love how Charlie Kirk often referred to everyone and their opinion, and as I used to love watching his videos, how he interacted with people, regardless of what side or what faith or what belief they had. He always seemed to find common ground. For us, Charlie was an inspiration—to me personally, to my ministry, and to the work we all do together as a team in Jesus’ name.”

Caroline: “What struck me most about Charlie was how he saw the potential in young people. Where adults often overlook or push them aside, Charlie pursued them, reminded them they were not a forgotten generation, and encouraged them to embrace their calling as the future. It’s heartbreaking that he’s gone, but inspiring to see that his impact will carry forward.”

Jennifer Wilkerson – Circuit Court Clerk; vocalist who performed the National Anthem at the vigil

“It was an honor to have been included in the vigil at the courthouse on Sunday. I am proud to see how our community came together peacefully during such a difficult time for our country. I pray that God will have mercy and unite our country once again.”

AJ Donadio – Faculty Advisor, TPUSA at Tennessee Tech; retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander; former Putnam County Commissioner

“I couldn’t be happier with the way the event turned out. We were expecting between 100 and 150 people, and to see the community turn out the way they did filled our hearts. I’m proud of the TN Tech TPUSA students and how they presented themselves. It was a beautiful day and tribute to the kind and gentle soul that was, and always will be, Charlie Kirk.”