Charlie Kirk fans hold vigil in front of State House

Hundreds gathered in front of the State House on Thursday for a vigil to mourn Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old right-wing activist assassinated last week.

Kirk, a commentator and founder of the conservative group Turning Point USA, was shot and killed while speaking outdoors in front of a large crowd at Utah Valley University. Prosecutors have charged 22-year-old Tyler Robinson with aggravated murder and other counts.

Kirk was deeply controversial, often staking positions critical of gay and transgender rights. He once said the Civil Rights Act was "a mistake." He also launched a list of professors he viewed as on the "radical left." Many of the people on the list have said Kirk fans sent them death threats and harassing messages.

On Thursday evening attendees lined up in front of the State House steps next to Boston Common holding candles. They held hands and bent their heads in prayer.

Brian Foley, who unsuccessfully ran for Boston City Council this year, organized the vigil. Foley told WBUR he turned to Kirk during his recovery from a heroin addiction.

He said he didn’t always agree with what Kirk said, but found inspiration from him.

“Charlie Kirk was the man that told me that I don't need a fancy college degree to make it in politics,” he said. “I don't need a fancy college degree to make it in society. I don't really need anything other than my own intelligence to prove my worth.”

He hoped the vigil would bring unity and a call to condemn political violence.

After a series of speakers, Foley asked vigil attendees to leave messages for legislators on the steps "and finally voice your opinion in a way that you can finally be heard."

A small group of protesters marched along the periphery of the vigil, chanting and shouting slogans with a bullhorn. Earlier in the day, Boston police set up metal barriers around the vigil location.

Among those protesting was Paul Pedevillano, who said he came out to support people worried about the country "which is idealizing someone who's spread nothing but hate, disdain for people of color, inferiority of women, and people being given positions that they don't earn."

"You know, he was someone who stood up for the 2nd Amendment and said death was a necessary byproduct of that," Pedivillano said.

Boston police said they arrested two people at the vigil. A 38-year-old Watertown man was arrested for disorderly conduct, and a juvenile found with a knife faces charges of assault and battery and possession of a dangerous weapon, police said. Police incident reports say that both of those arrested were protesting the vigil.