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CHARLIE KIRK VIGIL: United in prayer as Cookeville honors legacy: A high-level look at Sunday’s vigil with key highlights and numbers from the day.
On Sunday afternoon, more than a thousand people filled the Putnam County Courthouse Square to honor the life and legacy of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The vigil brought churches, students, and community leaders together in a show of unity and faith. Here are the key highlights and numbers from the day at a glance.
Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot earlier this past week in Utah while addressing students during a campus event. The tragedy sent shockwaves across the country, stirring vigils in cities both large and small.
In Cookeville, the crowd overflowed across the front of the courthouse, along the sidewalks, and down the streets, with banners proclaiming “Jesus Is King” and voices lifted in prayer. For those unable to attend, the Cookeville Now livestream reached nearly 80,635 views and more than 9,113 interactions by press time.
Local leaders, pastors, and students delivered emotional tributes. A $5,000 gift from The Bend Church to TP-USA at Tennessee Tech was announced, symbolizing a passing of the torch. The evening closed not in sorrow but in resolve, with attendees lingering in prayer and fellowship long after the program ended.
A replay of the vigil is available on Cookeville Now’s Facebook page, along with a Highlands Insider photo gallery capturing scenes from the Square.
By the Numbers
- 1,000–1,200+ — estimated in-person attendance on Courthouse Square
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84,890 — Cookeville Now livestream views by press time
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9,377 — livestream interactions (comments, likes, shares)
- $5,000 — donation announced by The Bend Church to TP-USA at Tennessee Tech
- Dozens — churches and pastors represented from multiple denominations
- 8 — speakers, a mix of students, pastors, and elected officials
