New Jersey mayor berates Charlie Kirk mourners at vigil
- A vigil was held in Sparta, New Jersey, for Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated on September 13, 2025.
- Mayor Neill Clark confronted attendees about the flag situation and faced public backlash for his comments.
- The sequence of events highlighted tensions surrounding gun violence and political division in America.
In the United States, residents held a vigil on Saturday, September 13, 2025, in Sparta, New Jersey, to honor Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist who was shot and killed while answering questions at an event. Attendees expressed their grief and frustration with local government, particularly regarding the decision not to lower flags in honor of Kirk. Sparta Mayor Neill Clark confronted mourners, leading to a heated exchange where he criticized them for their lack of involvement in previous tragedies, such as a mass shooting at a Catholic Mass in Minneapolis. Clark claimed his actions were misunderstood, asserting he only planned to offer condolences and addressed legal restrictions regarding flag protocols. Following this altercation, Clark faced backlash, stating that he received harassment and abuse. Concurrently, a protest occurred in Washington, D.C., where a left-wing demonstrator disrupted Kirk’s memorial service by shouting anti-Trump sentiments and using a megaphone. Despite the chaos, Kirk's friends and family continued to pay their respects, participating in the memorial service at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The police have arrested Tyler Robinson, 22, who is alleged to have committed the shooting due to his extreme left-wing beliefs, while a second individual, George Zinn, faces charges for falsely claiming to be the shooter.