Lily Polenchuk

Thank you, my pleasure!

Thank you May

Thanks Cia :)

Final picture from me on Charlie Kirk's vigil in Edmonton tonight:

#ableg #abpoli

Someone from the audience came up to do a prayer, and now there'll be a musical performance. That's all I can stay for and thus that's all for this thread, thank you.

MLA Jennifer Johnson comes up to speak. She thanks everyone for being here. She recalls seeing Charlie Kirk and his wife 8 months ago. "You being here tonight honouring Jesus honours his memory.

The next speaker, a pastor, says that Charlie Kirk laid down his life, "imitating what Christ had done for all of us." He leads a prayer in surrendering to Jesus.

"All of heaven is looking down at this gathering this evening and smiling down at a group of people who have come to honor the life of a man, who gave his life for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ," a speaker says. The crowd loudly cheers in response. "Our God will not be silenced."

A singer leads the crowd in singing "Holy Forever," followed by "Goodness of God."

The speaker starts a prayer for Charlie Kirk, his family, and the US. "Father we claim the truth that you are in control." He prays over Alberta so that everyone would commit to God.

Every says about 1,000 people are in attendance. A different speaker asks when was the last time the attendees stood in front of the legislature chanting the name of Jesus. People start chanting 'Jesus' again. "We find freedom by returning to [Jesus]," he says. God "is here, and he is moving."

People come up to pray at the steps for Charlie and put down gifts on the steps.

Founder of the Alberta Conservative Association says the group has decided to help launch Turning Point Alberta. The crowd loudly cheered in response. "Charlie's work must live on, not just in the USA...we win by winning people over" and talking things out, she says. A sign-up sheet is available.

Every continues that she was overcome by the Spirit when she saw Charlie Kirk die, and "so many people have felt the Spirit." She ended her speech with the Lord's prayer, and the crowd joined.

Kirk "was trying to protect democracy, rule of law, [and] the rights of people as individuals - not the rights of others to override the rights of individuals" Every says. She asks people to not be violent "as our oppressors" are, and "to remain calm and not to radicalize."

Every says that socialist values have penetrated "everywhere you can possibly imagine," and "corruption is at every level of government" which Charlie spoke about often. "Democracy is on the break of collapse. Many people don't understand that this is why Charlie died."

"Jesus is king," Every says after the crowd started chanting "Jesus." She continues that Kirk was "our biggest advocate for democracy, freedom of speech, and reform against extremist violence from the left, and he was an advocate for keeping open dialogue."

The crowd starts chanting "We are Charlie Kirk." Every continues: "Charlie didn't die in vain." She says everyone is here to "thank him for being our voice when we were no longer heard over the violent screaming of our oppressors."

The vigil starts with a rendition of 'Amazing Grace.' The speaker and organizer, Patricia Every, says she was severely impacted by Charlie's death as most people were. "I'm here for the same reason as every single one of you. I'm here because I am Charlie."

Someone is dressed as a handmaid from The Handmaid's Tale, and they're slowly walking towards the legislature.

I just confirmed with the Sheriffs on site that around 600 people are in attendance. The vigil for Charlie Kirk is set to begin at 8.

#abpoli #ableg

Attendees are given wax candles to light and are invited to leave flowers and gifts on the legislature steps for Charlie.

Attendance at a candlelight vigil honouring Charlie Kirk, held at the Alberta Legislature, before the official set time of 8 p.m...

#abpoli #ableg

With journalist and scholar @lilypolenchuk.bsky.social tonight at the University of Alberta Celebration of Excellence.

Thanks Roy, much appreciated!

👍🏻

Thank you!

Thank you!!

There was a mix of older and middle age, very few young people

That's the end of the meeting and this thread, thanks!