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PCP Tue Sep 16: Faith, Free Speech, and Community at Wilmington’s Vigil for Charlie Kirk

Flowers, flags, and tributes marked a weekend of remembrance at Wilmington’s vigil for Charlie Kirk.

Good morning Wilmington!

The candlelight vigil for Charlie Kirk at UNCW drew a turnout larger than anyone expected. My son and I tried to make it in time, but the crowd was so big we couldn’t even find parking. Still, the flowers, flags, and heartfelt tributes left at the site spoke volumes about his impact.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

  • Hundreds Gather at UNCW Vigil to Honor Charlie Kirk’s Legacy

  • Charlotte School Investigates Unauthorized Painting on Spirit Rock

Photo by Clay Meadows

Hundreds Gather at UNCW Vigil to Honor Charlie Kirk’s Legacy

[WECT] Nearly a week after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated on a Utah college campus, hundreds gathered at UNCW for a candlelight vigil in his honor. Organized by the school’s Turning Point USA chapter, the event drew far more attendees than expected, with students and community members leaving flowers, flags, and personal tributes. Speakers emphasized faith, free speech, and the importance of open debate as Kirk’s enduring legacy. Both College Republicans and Democrats at UNCW issued a rare joint statement condemning political violence, underscoring the broad impact of his death.

Charlotte School Investigates Unauthorized Painting on Spirit Rock

[WCNC] Ardrey Kell High School officials are investigating vandalism to the school’s spirit rock, which was painted over the weekend with references to slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk, the message “Live Like Kirk,” student names, “Freedom 1776,” and an American flag. Principal Susan Nichols confirmed the act was unauthorized and violates the district’s student conduct code. Students responsible may face disciplinary action, and law enforcement has been notified. Families are encouraged to report information through the district’s anonymous reporting app. The school emphasized that student and staff safety remains the top priority.

News Roundup

Local News

Hundreds gathered at UNCW’s amphitheater for a vigil honoring conservative activist Charlie Kirk, with speakers vowing his movement will continue despite his death. WWAY

Ardrey Kell High School is investigating vandalism to its spirit rock, which was painted with messages referencing slain conservative Charlie Kirk, and students responsible could face disciplinary action. WCNC

What You Should Know

The suspect in Charlie Kirk’s killing, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, appeared to confess in a private Discord chat just hours before surrendering to law enforcement, saying “It was me at UVU yesterday.” MSN

Robert Redford, legendary actor, Oscar-winning director, and founder of the Sundance Film Festival, has died at 89 at his home in Utah. New York Times

Don’t Miss

Disaster Preparedness

TUE SEPT 16: 7-8:00 PM @ Cape Fear Makers Guild - DT
Are you ready for the unexpected? Join us for an eye-opening talk on disaster preparation covering everything from emergency kits and communication plans to community resilience. Learn how to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community when it matters most. $15

Healing Night Reiki

WED SEPT 17: 7PM @ Spiritual Soul Center - ILM
Our intention is to offer a space where you can rest, expand and reset. This month we offer Reiki. We’ll start with a short informational talk and then you will have at least one individual session with a practitioner. Love offering graciously accepted.

Native Plant Festival

WED SEPT 17: 6:30 Pm - SUN SEPT 21: 4PM @ NHC Arboretum - WB
🗓️ Sept 17–19 (Evenings):

The Native Plant Alliance will host the 10th Annual Native Plant Festival from September 17–21, 2025. From the evenings of September 17–19, explore the world of native plants and sustainable landscaping through engaging educational talks at the New Hanover County Arboretum. On Saturday, September 20, visitors can shop for native plants from a variety of vendors located throughout the Cape Fear Region. The festival concludes on Sunday, September 21, with Native Plant Garden Tours, including tours at the New Hanover County Arboretum.

Final TSITP Watch Party

WED SEPT 17: 6PM @ The Eagle's Dare - DT
Team Jere, Team Conrad or Team Belly...after 3 seasons it all comes down to this night! So of course we are planning a goodbye bigger than the whole sky with:

  • Vendor Market with local small businesses

  • Food Trucks

  • Dirt Bombs and other sweet treats from Apple Annie's

  • Shop cute styles from Vestique

  • Get crafty with The Craft Box

  • Build your own Bouquet Bar

  • Themed Cocktails and drinks

Weather

Tue Sep 16: ☁️ Cloudy | 71° / 60° | 21% | NW 17 mph
Wed Sep 17: 🌥️ Partly Cloudy | 79° / 66° | 10% | WNW 11 mph
Thu Sep 18: 🌥️ Partly Cloudy | 81° / 68° | 7% | WSW 7 mph

Live Music

Today

Open Mic

7:00 PM-10:00 PM @ Bazarre - ILM

Open Mic with Delia Stanley

8-11:30 PM @ Mad Katz - MJ

Frank Grant’s Music Mondays

8:00-11:00 PM @ Wilmington Distillery - DT

Wednesday

Vance Joy

6:00 PM @ Greenfield Lake Amphitheater - GFL

Open Mic

7:00-10:00 PM @ Celtic Monkey - ILM

Moonbreeze Jazz Combo

7:00-10:00 PM @ The Rusty Nail - DT

Thursday

John Wood

6:00 PM @ The Bend - OGD

Ben & Heather

6:00 PM @ Oceanic - WB

Thursday Night Live

6:00-8:00 PM @ South Front Tavern - ILM

Wilmington continues to show that community and compassion matter. I’m grateful for the empathy our city demonstrates and proud to share these moments with you. Get more local stories and events by subscribing to Port City Pulse.

-Jason