‘I needed to do something’: Dozens gather at Charlie Kirk vigil in Lincoln

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Nearly 100 people gathered on the north steps of the state Capitol on Thursday, honoring the lives lost on 9/11 and paying tribute to Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed the day before.

“The stuff with Charlie Kirk and what happened yesterday really weighed heavy on my heart,” said Chad Ruhnke, a retired Marine vet. “I knew I needed to do something.”

Pastors led the group in prayer, and several people took the time to speak their minds and share their stories.

Some people said they met Kirk and worked with him in years past. Many were brought to tears.

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The event was organized by Nebraskans Against Government Overreach.

Its mission for the vigil was to come together, commiserate over this tragedy and find positive momentum.

“We are standing here because we love our country,” said Allie Bush, the founder of the organization. “We want people to know that we’re willing to stand here on the steps of the Capitol because we love our country and we want to see it succeed. Charlie Kirk was a wonderful shining example of how we reach that, how we operate in the public domain and debate with one another even when we strongly disagree.”

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Those sitting on the steps agreed with the goals.

“It’s sad that we’ve come to a point in this country where dialogue gets you killed,” Ruhnke said. “You know, freedom of speech and debating and things like that get you killed. It’s not the country that I fought for.”

While dozens shared their own stories about Kirk, they said what they loved most was his call to action.

They vowed to continue Kirk’s mission.

“We know our salvation is the watchfulness of the citizen,” said Bush, referencing the words etched on the Capitol building. “If we’re not involved, if we’re not willing to take the time to tell people what we think, how will we ever see unity? How will we ever see any furtherance in our society and our culture?”

SEE ALSO: Student Republicans and Democrats at UNL urge unity after Charlie Kirk assassination