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Despite protest, approximately 50 people gathered outside the Vancouver Art Gallery on Sept. 10 to remember the late Charlie Kirk, Turning Point USA founder and civil rights leader who was assassinated one year earlier on September 10, 2025.

The vigil was co-organized in part by 13-year-old Daniel Thiele, who was inspired by Kirk, alongside TrueBlue candidates running in Vancouver's upcoming municipal election.

Vigil attendees held candles, prayed and sang hymns as speakers, including TrueBlue candidates and downtown east side pastor Jennifer Allen, attempted to address those who had come to peacefully grieve.

But much of the ceremony was difficult to hear due to being drowned out by a larger group of far-left protesters “standing against hate.” Some sang hateful chants such as “Charlie is better dead” and “rest in piss.”

Many of the vigil protesters carried signs and flags representing “pro-Palestine,” “Every Child Matters,” and LGBT PRIDE activism.

In contrast, amongst those there to remember Kirk, Canadian flags were prominent, followed by Christian flags, Free Iran flags and a smaller number of American and Israeli flags.

Vancouver police officers formed a barrier separating protesters from those attending the vigil.

Despite the disruption, Thiele told Rebel News he had no intention of being intimidated out of commemorating someone who inspired him.

“I am not backing down from this memorial because I believe everyone should have the right to commemorate anyone they believe,” Thiele said.

“Our vigil is not meant to be political, but to remember a human being who fought for freedom.”

Due to threats made against me by unproven unmarked-grave activists falsely claiming I was organizing and promoting the vigil, Rebel News had to increase security measures to keep me safe.

You can help us recoup some of those costs and protect our reporters in the field by donating below or at JournalistDefenceFund.com.