Dozens gather to mourn Charlie Kirk at the University of New Mexico

It began with the blowing of a shofar, a ram’s horn often used in Jewish ritual. Then scripture: “When the shofar blows, God is activated and your enemies will be driven from your land.”

More than 100 people, made up of students, families and members of the local Turning Point USA chapter, listened attentively as they gathered on the grass near the University of New Mexico duck pond Saturday evening to memorialize Charlie Kirk.

Many held signs that read “I am Charlie. It’s all about Jesus,” held LED candles and laid roses upon a table beside a photo of Kirk with his wife and two children. Some wept.

Attendees wore MAGA hats and shirts with religious sayings emblazoned on them or such things as “these colors don’t run” beside an American flag and “smoke em if you got em” with an image of a rifle.

Kirk — a political figurehead and conservative activist whose views were controversial to some and validating to others — was assassinated while speaking to a crowd of students at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.

“To America, he was a great man, and we lost a great man that day... a leader and a sign of the future yet to come,” Eric, who introduced himself as vice president of the local TPUSA chapter but would not give his last name. “... He had the courage and the boldness to say what he believed was true.”

Saturday’s memorial was filled with prayer and scripture for Kirk with little disruption. UNM Police watched from a distance as pastors, students and TPUSA members spoke about Kirk’s impact for the better part of an hour.

“Many people made Charlie Kirk an enemy of theirs while he was alive, because he spoke the truth,” Zuriel Castillo, UNM student and TPUSA member, told the crowd. “He faced many adversaries in the struggle for the survival of Western society and in the spiritual battle against evil.”

The assassination of Kirk was only the latest act of political violence in America — but it was by far the most visible, captured on video and disseminated across social media. When asked about the escalating political tensions, Eric, the local TPUSA vice president, said, “I just pray for peace.”

Castillo, a political science major who said he joined TPUSA while at La Cueva High School, said it was sad to see the polarization of American politics. He said Kirk treated even those who hated him as equals and he believed a “lack of communication” fed into divisions among Democrats and Republicans.

Rita was one of many locals who came to the memorial, bringing along her son, John Yaw, who has admired Kirk for several years.

“He was so patient with people. There are videos where people are effin’ him out and he just stood there and was so nice,” Rita said. “... He tried to learn the other side. Kindly.”

Yaw said Kirk “actually talked” to those with different views. And to their faces, not behind their backs.

Dennis and Laura Loveland said they were “devastated” to learn of 31-year-old Kirk’s death. The couple appreciated Kirk’s willingness to debate. Laura added, “He was willing to walk into the lion’s den.”

Dennis Loveland said “the far left” had been brainwashed into socialism, scuffling with immigration agents in California and lighting things on fire when they don’t get their way.

“And it seems like ‘OK, that’s normal for them’ — a lot of time they are being paid to do that, we all know that,” he said. “As a true patriot, conservative, Republican, you don’t see us doing that. This is what we do.”

Dennis Loveland said the assassination “woke a lot of people up.”

“Like when the admiral in Japan, after he bombed Pearl Harbor, said, ‘You woke a sleeping giant.’ Same thing,” he said. “We are quiet, we go to work. Most Republicans, we do our bidding at the polls. You don’t see us out there burning stuff down.”

But he said violence isn’t the answer.

“I think it’s voicing our voice. Speaking up, showing up, instead of watching everything happening on the other side. I’m extremely pissed, but I’m here. I’m not looking for a fight.”