MANCHESTER, NH. September 20, 2025–On the eve of his funeral, a vigil was held at the Queen City’s City Hall for slain conservative leader Charlie Kirk. Organized by Manchester residents Elesha Martel and Maureen Babineau, approximately 50 people, mostly city residents, attended. Among those present were aldermen Crissy Kantor (R-Ward 6) and Ed Sapienza (R-Ward 8), Manchester City Republican Chairman and former Ward Six school board member Ken Tassey, Jr., State Rep. Steve Kesselring (R-Ward 12). First District congressional candidate State Rep. Brian Cole (R-ward 7) and Ward Two aldermanic candidate Ben Prescott.
Using the steps that lead to the plaza in front of the bridge that connects City Hall and the City Hall Annex, Martel and Babineau used easels to display posters of Kirk. In front was a small table with a microphone and speaker. An American flag was placed nearby. They handed out candles and American flag pins to attendees. They had hats with a Christian cross and t-shirts emblazoned with “Freedom” available for sale, only charging what it cost them to provide the hats and t-shirts. They spent a little more than $300 preparing for the vigil.
As things were getting underway, a group of about a dozen teenaged girls dressed like they were going to a Halloween party, shouted profanities from across the street, making various hand gestures to punctuate their shrieks. Fortunately, they moved along. Babineau and Martel began the vigil offering prayers they had written about Kirk and our country. Attendees were invited to share their thoughts. Several did. Many spoke of how Kirk’s murder had motivated them to speak at the vigil and to speak up for what they believed in with neighbors, friends and co-workers. Most who spoke were Christians who were inspired by Kirk’s boldness and strength in speaking the truth about the issues of the day. They pledged to follow his lead. One man who spoke said he wasn’t a Christian but came to the vigil to honor Kirk because he fought for the Constitution.
Some speakers noted that Kirk was killed not just because of his beliefs, but his willingness to advocate for them.
Martel and Babineau said they were fans of Kirk and wanted to do something to honor his memory. They weren’t part of any group or organization. Just citizens that felt the need to do something. They were nervous that people wouldn’t attend and thrilled when they did. They delighted as people connected their phones to their speaker to share Christian songs that the crowd sang along with to praise God and honor Kirk.
The mood was somber but hopeful with participants believing that Kirk’s shocking murder was a watershed event motivating people to engage and redirect our country’s trajectory for the better. “For Charlie” was the underlying theme of those who spoke and said they, too, would follow his lead to make a difference.
Girard at-Large live-streamed parts of the event. The links are below, along with photos from the event.
https://www.facebook.com/Girard.At.Large/videos/1125165215767296
https://www.facebook.com/Girard.At.Large/videos/2297013467425610
https://www.facebook.com/Girard.At.Large/videos/2081217152707048
