SANDPOINT —  Occasionally breaking out in chants of "Charlie, Charlie" or singing "God Bless America," over than 60 people turned out Saturday for a walk through downtown Sandpoint to honor conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Kirk, 31, was shot and killed Wednesday, Sept. 10, as he prepared to speak at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.

"Charlie Kirk was a very special human being and we're very lucky to live in the same generation as him," walk organizer Mickey Garcia said as she walked down First Avenue. "There have been so many horrible things that have happened in my very short lifetime and this was definitely a turning point."

After hearing of similar walks in the region and across the country, Garcia said she posted a message on social media that she planned to host an event in Sandpoint. The group started at the Bonner County Courthouse before walking through the downtown in a loop, making their way from the courthouse, down First Avenue to Oak Street, pausing at the Sandpoint Farmers Market before heading back to the courthouse.

Kirk's mission was to engage and reach out to others of all ideologies and beliefs, Garcia said. That mindset spoke deeply to her and, after hearing that someone had assassinated him, potentially for his political beliefs, she said she knew Kirk's life deserved to be honored.

"He was never mean to people despite people always calling him names, trying to tear him down or make him out to be this monster," Garcia said. "He was never, ever cruel and he always had an open dialogue with everybody, where people could have different opinions."

Inspired by Kirk, Garcia said she hoped the walk will encourage people of all views to come together, and to listen with respect.

"I'd love to see more people come together and realize that even when there's violence and hatred, that we can come together and there can be love to combat that violence and hatred," she added. "I want to show that love will always win in the end."

By putting action to words, Garcia said she hopes the walk helps to unify the community, to show that putting your voice out there serves as a unifying, not a dividing, action.

"It's just a super beautiful thing, really, to have everybody come out together."

Garcia said the event came together quickly, and with just two days of spreading the word, she wasn't sure how many people would turn out for the walk. Since Kirk served as a source of inspiration in her life, when she saw a post online about similar events planned throughout the country, she knew that others would also want a way to demonstrate what Kirk meant to them.

As the group walked along the downtown sidewalks, impromptu chants of "Charlie, Charlie, Charlie" or "We love you, Charlie" and "God bless America" broke out, smiles frequent despite the somberness of the tragedy prompting the walk.

Kirk's message was to have conversations, to learn and share ideas, to create a safe, loving place where you can share different opinions. That is partly what makes walks around the nation Saturday perfectly in line with what appealed to the Turning Point USA founder.

While some responded to news of the walks with jokes and mocking, Garcia said far more applauded her plans for a walk. While she was pleased with the turnout, Garcia said prior commitments kept many away from the event.

Garcia said she hopes the walk, as well as the others held across the country, serve as a turning point against the divisiveness seen at all levels.

"I hope this inspires more people to come together, rather than being torn apart," she added. "Whether we disagree on things or not, I think it's important to come together and unify rather than divide ourselves."

Like Garcia, Kailey and Riley Steven joined the walk as a way to show what Kirk meant to them and show how he inspired them to help make the country great.

"I just wanted to show my appreciation," Kailey Steven said.

Riley Steven agreed, saying the siblings hope others are inspired by their sign thanking Kirk to also work to make a difference.

Looking back at those walking behind her, Garcia said she hopes the walk sends the message that love and compassion are more powerful than any hatred or evil act.

"Love will always win in the end, and so will peace and regardless of what political stance you have, that should be No. 1 goal," Garcia said. "Your No. 1 one goal should be to treat people with compassion, love and peace."

    Kailey and Riley Steven walk down Oak Steet in downtown Sandpoint on Saturday as they take part in a walk to honor the live of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was host and killed Wednesday during a talk at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.