Two people were arrested on Thursday at a vigil in Boston for slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk, as hundreds honored the Turning Point USA co-founder and advocated against political violence.
Joseph Antuan Castro Del Rio, 38, was arrested on disorderly conduct charges, according to WCVB. A juvenile male was also arrested on assault and battery charges, as well as a charge for possession of a dangerous weapon, as police said he had a knife at the time of the arrest.
A group of protesters was separated from the crowd of Kirk supporters by metal barriers, leading to some shouting, the outlet reported. The event was guarded by police who were stationed on the ground and on top of the statehouse.
Several attendees of the vigil condemned political violence in the wake of Kirk’s murder last week in Utah.
“Political violence is never okay. You can agree to disagree. Ending someone’s life is never okay,” Samantha DiGiacomo said at the event, according to WCVB.
Top Christian worship singers Chris Tomlin, Brandon Lake, Phil Wickham, Kari Jobe Carnes and Cody Carnes are set to perform Sunday at Charlie Kirk’s memorial service at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
The event, which will begin at 2 p.m. ET, also will feature speeches from Erika Kirk – Charlie’s widow – President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
“Though our hearts are heavy, we do not grieve as those without hope. Charlie’s legacy endures in his family, in Turning Point USA and Turning Point Action, and in the millions he inspired to live with conviction,” reads a description of the event on its website.
“We honor him not only with our words, but with our actions. We will move forward together, fighting harder, standing taller, and refusing to surrender,” it added. Charlie Kirk’s memorial event Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., will have Super Bowl-level security, reports said.
“The U.S. Secret Service has been designated as the Federal Coordinator for this effort. Our teams are already on the ground in Phoenix and Glendale, working side-by-side with state, local, and federal partners,” William Mack, the special agent in charge of Secret Service’s Phoenix field office, was quoted as telling NewsNation. “Together, we are fully committed to ensuring that these solemn events receive the comprehensive protection and support they require.”
A senior Homeland Security official told The Hill that the department designated the memorial service for Kirk as a “Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) Level 1 event.”
“This designation is reserved for events of the highest national significance and enables the federal government to provide the full range of law enforcement and security resources necessary to support local officials in ensuring a safe and successful event,” the official said.
Erika Kirk, the widow of Charlie Kirk, President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance are among the scheduled speakers on Sunday.
