By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
A community-led event titled Prayer on the Square: A Candlelight Vigil in Honor of Charlie Kirk was held in downtown Bryan on Friday, September 12, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
Despite being organized on short notice, the gathering drew more than 40 attendees who came together to honor the late Charlie Kirk.
Participants were invited to bring candles and their prayers, with peaceful signs also welcomed. The event’s Facebook page encouraged unity across political lines, stating, “Right or left doesn’t matter, if you believe in the power of Freedom of Speech and integrity, truth and justice for our fellow man, no matter what they believe, join us in prayer.”
The vigil was organized by Andrea Northrup, who explained that the idea came to her suddenly while at work. “I honestly planned it very spur of the moment yesterday while at work because my heart was so heavy about all of it,” Northrup said.
“For it being a public figure I didn’t even know, it really hurt. I knew others had to feel the same way, and I just wanted to do something to honor him and allow my grief to let go.”
Charlie Kirk, born in 1993 in the Chicago suburbs, was a well-known Conservative media personality and the co-founder and Executive Director of Turning Point USA.
He also served as the Chief Executive Officer of Turning Point Action and was a member of the Council for National Policy.
Kirk was best known for his civil discussions on college campuses, where he spoke about politics and faith and encouraged open dialogue.
He married his wife, Erika Kirk, in 2021, and the couple had two children together. Kirk was fatally shot on Wednesday, September 10, while speaking during his “American Comeback” tour at Utah Valley University.
As the candles burned in the evening air and quiet prayers were lifted, the square became a place of stillness and reflection. The gathering was not only a moment to grieve the loss of a prominent voice, but also to affirm the values he championed.
Those in attendance stood together, united in the hope that his message of dialogue, conviction, and faith would continue to inspire others long after the candles had gone out.