COEUR d’ALENE — Two words were shouted over and over Thursday night at McEuen Park. 

“For Charlie.” 

“For Charlie.” 

“For Charlie.” 

The cries of about 1,000 voices echoed into the darkness as a crowd gathered for a candlelight vigil to honor the life of Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed Wednesday as he spoke at a Utah college. 

They prayed. They sang Amazing Grace. They held flags. They held hands and each other as they paid tribute to the man they said was politically conservative and stood strong for Jesus Christ. Pictures of Kirk were scattered through the crowd.

Matt Edwards, executive director of Citizens Alliance for Idaho, said Kirk “spoke the truth, fought for the truth and lived the truth.” 

He said Kirk was effective in being a Christian voice. 

“That is why they killed him,” Edwards said. 

He called for people to be prepared to get involved, and stop waiting around on the sidelines.

“When something like this happens, stand up and say something,” Edwards said. 

Brooklyn Coppinger with Turning Point USA also urged younger people to know they can have an influence on those around them. Kirk was only 31 when he died.

“You’re never too young or too old to have an impact in your community and never too young or too old to be bold in your faith,” she said. 

Patrick Wolf, Kootenai County Republican Central Committee youth chair, encouraged people to run for public office, speak up and lead with their faith, morals and convictions. 

“We need to be proud to pray,” he said. 

Hundreds signed a white board as a tribute to Kirk. In the middle were the words, “Well Done Charlie."

A few of the messages: 

“You will not be forgotten! What you have started will continue to bring fruit.” 

“Charlie, your voice will not be silenced. We got it from here."

“Thank you for the example you set for my son and all the sons and daughters of America.” 

“Way to run the race, my friend. See you at the finish line.” 

Pastor John Padula with The Altar Church fought through tears as he spoke of the country's political divide and the spiritual battle going on.

“There needs to be 100,000 Charlie Kirks in America,” he said. 

He urged people to “wake up” and be aware of the forces targeting them and their children. 

“Get passionate about love and grace and mercy,” he said. 

    Candles light up a picture of Charlie Kirk during the vigil on Thursday.
  

    People write messages as a tribute to Charlie Kirk during the vigil on Thursday.
  

    People hold candles during the vigil for Charlie Kirk at McEuen Park on Thursday.
  

    Pastor Tim Remington of The Altar Church speaks to the crowd during the vigil for Charlie Kirk on Thursday at McEuen Park.