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- PCP Tue Sep 16: Faith, Free Speech, and Community at Wilmington’s Vigil for Charlie Kirk
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
I went to a Charlie Kirk @TPUSA event at UNCW tonight and it was so moving. The young people at TPUSA who put this on give me such hope for our country. God bless them and God bless our country. There was a huge crowd in attendance.
— Brenda (@BMac914)
1:38 AM • Sep 16, 2025
Don’t Miss
![]() Disaster PreparednessTUE SEPT 16: 7-8:00 PM @ Cape Fear Makers Guild - DT | ![]() Healing Night ReikiWED SEPT 17: 7PM @ Spiritual Soul Center - ILM |
![]() Native Plant FestivalWED SEPT 17: 6:30 Pm - SUN SEPT 21: 4PM @ NHC Arboretum - WB 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 PartyWED SEPT 17: 6PM @ The Eagle's Dare - DT
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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
7:00 PM-10:00 PM @ Bazarre - ILM | |
8-11:30 PM @ Mad Katz - MJ | |
8:00-11:00 PM @ Wilmington Distillery - DT |
Wednesday
6:00 PM @ Greenfield Lake Amphitheater - GFL | |
7:00-10:00 PM @ Celtic Monkey - ILM | |
7:00-10:00 PM @ The Rusty Nail - DT |
Thursday
6:00 PM @ The Bend - OGD | |
6:00 PM @ Oceanic - WB | |
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 | ![]() |