SPOKANE, Wash. — Hundreds of people lined the sidewalks along Division Street this afternoon to honor conservative activist Charlie Kirk and rally in support of his family following his death.
The Eastern Washington Freedom Alliance organized the demonstration to defend freedom of speech, drawing supporters who expressed concerns about political violence affecting both parties.
“People shouldn’t be shot for what they say. It’s so devastating. I’m glad that people care, and maybe we won’t keep going down this road,” said Amy Parks, who attended the rally.
Parks said witnessing political violence affect both Democrats and Republicans upset her, and Kirk’s death motivated her to join the demonstration.
“We’re going to have to have someone else raised up doing what he did. He had a real unique way of talking with college kids that opposed him as well as supported him,” said Joe, a rally attendee.
Attendees emphasized the importance of creating space for political discussion without fear of violence.
“You cannot live in fear if you ever expect to make a change that’s positive. They expect to change us by fear, this is how we respond. That will never change, that’s how it’s always been,” said Brandon Bivens, who attended the rally.
Rally participants expressed hope that people will continue coming together to defend free speech rights.
“Right after a tragedy, things always seem like something is going to happen. But I hope it actually does,” Parks said.
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