Hundreds of people showed up Thursday evening to honor conservative activist Charlie Kirk on the Boston Common.Organizers welcomed all to attend, as they lit candles in hopes of sending a message. “Political violence is never OK. You can agree to disagree. Ending someone’s life is never OK,” said Samantha DiGiacomo.”We can have our own opinions. We can have our First Amendment right,” said Abiel Mendez. “That’s what makes America awesome.”The invitation drew many who came to call for calm. “I agree with practically very little of what he stood for, but enough is enough,” Ed Scheinbart said. A group of protesters was separated from the crowd by metal barriers, which prompted some shouting. The entire event was guarded by police who were stationed both on the ground and on top of the statehouse.”Now they’re trying to memorialize him as this very patriotic person and he’s not,” said Russell Glover, who protested the vigil.However, those who admired him praised his influence. “He won’t be forgotten, that’s for sure,” another vigil attendee said.Boston police said two people were arrested during the vigil and are now facing charges. Joseph Antuan Castro Del Rio, 38, of Watertown, was arrested on disorderly conduct charges. A juvenile male was also arrested on assault and battery charges. Police say he had a knife at the time of the arrest and will also be charged with possession of a dangerous weapon.
BOSTON —
Hundreds of people showed up Thursday evening to honor conservative activist Charlie Kirk on the Boston Common.
Organizers welcomed all to attend, as they lit candles in hopes of sending a message.
“Political violence is never OK. You can agree to disagree. Ending someone’s life is never OK,” said Samantha DiGiacomo.
“We can have our own opinions. We can have our First Amendment right,” said Abiel Mendez. “That’s what makes America awesome.”
The invitation drew many who came to call for calm.
“I agree with practically very little of what he stood for, but enough is enough,” Ed Scheinbart said.
A group of protesters was separated from the crowd by metal barriers, which prompted some shouting.
The entire event was guarded by police who were stationed both on the ground and on top of the statehouse.
“Now they’re trying to memorialize him as this very patriotic person and he’s not,” said Russell Glover, who protested the vigil.
However, those who admired him praised his influence.
“He won’t be forgotten, that’s for sure,” another vigil attendee said.
Boston police said two people were arrested during the vigil and are now facing charges.
Joseph Antuan Castro Del Rio, 38, of Watertown, was arrested on disorderly conduct charges.
A juvenile male was also arrested on assault and battery charges. Police say he had a knife at the time of the arrest and will also be charged with possession of a dangerous weapon.