Harford County residents call for unity at vigil for conservative activist Charlie Kirk

Harford County residents organized a vigil on Tuesday in the wake of the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Organizers tell WJZ this vigil was about healing and unity. Some attendees said no one should be subjected to this kind of violence, and they hope the country can come together.

"No one deserves to be a victim of violence, whether it be on the subway or a school shooting or whatever it may be. Nobody deserves that, and we're better than that," said Melissa Hahn, the vigil organizer.

Kirk, the co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot during an event with students at Utah Valley University. According to CBS News, Kirk was struck in the neck by a single shot and was taken to the hospital, where he died. 

Kirk, a close ally of President Trump, was speaking with students from an outdoor tent at the Utah campus when a shot was fired. Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested and charged with the assassination.

Hundreds attend vigil for Charlie Kirk

Hundreds gathered in Shamrock Park in Bel Air for the vigil Tuesday night, which included prayer, song, and lighting candles.

"People need to accept what other people believe, and they don't have to agree with it, but I don't think violence is the answer," said Betty Reeves, from Jarrettsville. "That assassin did not shut Charlie's mouth. He just amplified his word, and I truly believe that I believe this could be the beginning of an awakening in our country, and I surely pray it is."

There was a rallying call for unity from those attending the vigil.

"We need to come together," said Tony Rader, from Columbia. "And I think it's unfortunate that we are seeing people saying that Charlie deserved this. No one deserves anything that happened like this."

Harford County principal on administrative leave

This vigil came as an elementary school principal elsewhere in Harford County was put on administrative leave after allegedly commenting on a social media post about Kirk's death.

Maryland leaders condemn political violence

Maryland lawmakers across the political aisle have condemned the political killing, including Maryland Gov. Wes Moore.

"We have to remember that we can have our beliefs and have our values, but…never resort to political violence as a way of being able to make your make your case," Moore said.