A vigil for Charlie Kirk — the founder of Turning Point who was gunned down in Utah during a campus speaking engagement — is taking place this evening at Woodward Park.

The Young Republicans, along with the Central Valley Impact Republicans and Republican Party of San Joaquin County, are organizing the vigil at the park’s picnic shelter starting at 7 p.m.

“Charlie Kirk was a leader in peaceful debate,” noted Manteca Councilwoman Regina Lackey.

“The loss of Charlie Kirk is more than a loss of a human being. It was a shooting against free speech.”

Lackey said it doesn’t matter “what side you are on” as violence against those exercising free speech should never be tolerated.

Memorial services are planned for Kirk at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on Sunday, Sept. 21.

Kirk was shot and killed Sept. 10.