Theodore Fletcher, a volunteer for Turning Point USA in The Dalles, led a vigil for slain right-wing political activist, author, and media personality Charlie Kirk on Sept. 14 at Lewis and Clark Park. Several hundred people participated. “Folks made signs, prayers were given and folks stood up to speak to the crowd,” said photographer Gary Elkinton. More photos online at columbiagorgenews.com.
Theodore Fletcher, a volunteer for Turning Point USA in The Dalles, led a vigil for slain right-wing political activist, author, and media personality Charlie Kirk on Sept. 14 at Lewis and Clark Park. Several hundred people participated. “Folks made signs, prayers were given and folks stood up to speak to the crowd,” said photographer Gary Elkinton. More photos online at columbiagorgenews.com.
Representative Jeffrey Helfrich (R-Hood River) didn’t mince words on Sept. 10 after the assassination of conservative public figure Charlie Kirk in Utah, the latest in a troubling pattern of political violence gripping our nation:
“Enough. This madness must stop here, and it must stop now. First, they tried to kill a former president. Then they murdered sitting legislators in Minnesota. Now a loving father and husband is dead for wanting to start a conversation with college kids. He leaves behind a grieving wife and two children who no longer have a husband and father — all because a coward thought bullets were a way to win that conversation. This isn’t politics anymore; it’s terrorism, it should be dealt with accordingly, and every decent American should be outraged.”
Helfrich, a veteran and decorated retired police sergeant, continued, “I’ve seen what violence does to communities. I’ve arrested the perpetrators and comforted the victims. Violence isn’t debate — it’s surrender. It’s what happens when we forget we’re neighbors, not enemies. Here in Oregon, we do things differently. We might disagree on taxes, housing, or how to run our schools but we settle our differences with votes, not bullets. That’s the Oregon way, and that should be the American way. I ask everyone to pray for his wife, his family, and loved ones tonight. May they be granted the strength to weather this storm.”
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State Sen. Daniel Bonham
Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles) released the following statement in response to the murder of Charlie Kirk:
“How have we reached a point in our society where someone would resort to violence to silence a voice? Charlie Kirk was a powerful voice for common sense and played an instrumental role in connecting the conservative movement with today’s youth. His life was tragically cut short, and our hearts go out to his wife, children, and family. We pray for God’s comfort and peace for them in this devastating time.”
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