Lily Polenchuk
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lilypolenchuk.bsky.social
Lily Polenchuk
@lilypolenchuk.bsky.social
Honors student studying English and political science at the University of Alberta, formerly editor-in-chief of The Gateway, freelance journo interested in AB politics. https://substack.com/@lilypolenchuk
Thank you, my pleasure!
September 15, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Thank you May
September 15, 2025 at 1:16 PM
Thanks Cia :)
September 15, 2025 at 3:38 AM
Someone from the audience came up to do a prayer, and now there'll be a musical performance. That's all I can stay for and thus that's all for this thread, thank you.
September 15, 2025 at 3:25 AM
MLA Jennifer Johnson comes up to speak. She thanks everyone for being here. She recalls seeing Charlie Kirk and his wife 8 months ago. "You being here tonight honouring Jesus honours his memory.
September 15, 2025 at 3:18 AM
The next speaker, a pastor, says that Charlie Kirk laid down his life, "imitating what Christ had done for all of us." He leads a prayer in surrendering to Jesus.
September 15, 2025 at 3:16 AM
"All of heaven is looking down at this gathering this evening and smiling down at a group of people who have come to honor the life of a man, who gave his life for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ," a speaker says. The crowd loudly cheers in response. "Our God will not be silenced."
September 15, 2025 at 3:09 AM
A singer leads the crowd in singing "Holy Forever," followed by "Goodness of God."
September 15, 2025 at 3:08 AM
The speaker starts a prayer for Charlie Kirk, his family, and the US. "Father we claim the truth that you are in control." He prays over Alberta so that everyone would commit to God.
September 15, 2025 at 3:02 AM
Every says about 1,000 people are in attendance. A different speaker asks when was the last time the attendees stood in front of the legislature chanting the name of Jesus. People start chanting 'Jesus' again. "We find freedom by returning to [Jesus]," he says. God "is here, and he is moving."
September 15, 2025 at 2:59 AM
People come up to pray at the steps for Charlie and put down gifts on the steps.
September 15, 2025 at 2:53 AM
Founder of the Alberta Conservative Association says the group has decided to help launch Turning Point Alberta. The crowd loudly cheered in response. "Charlie's work must live on, not just in the USA...we win by winning people over" and talking things out, she says. A sign-up sheet is available.
September 15, 2025 at 2:46 AM
Every continues that she was overcome by the Spirit when she saw Charlie Kirk die, and "so many people have felt the Spirit." She ended her speech with the Lord's prayer, and the crowd joined.
September 15, 2025 at 2:44 AM
Kirk "was trying to protect democracy, rule of law, [and] the rights of people as individuals - not the rights of others to override the rights of individuals" Every says. She asks people to not be violent "as our oppressors" are, and "to remain calm and not to radicalize."
September 15, 2025 at 2:42 AM
Every says that socialist values have penetrated "everywhere you can possibly imagine," and "corruption is at every level of government" which Charlie spoke about often. "Democracy is on the break of collapse. Many people don't understand that this is why Charlie died."
September 15, 2025 at 2:39 AM
"Jesus is king," Every says after the crowd started chanting "Jesus." She continues that Kirk was "our biggest advocate for democracy, freedom of speech, and reform against extremist violence from the left, and he was an advocate for keeping open dialogue."
September 15, 2025 at 2:37 AM
The crowd starts chanting "We are Charlie Kirk." Every continues: "Charlie didn't die in vain." She says everyone is here to "thank him for being our voice when we were no longer heard over the violent screaming of our oppressors."
September 15, 2025 at 2:35 AM
The vigil starts with a rendition of 'Amazing Grace.' The speaker and organizer, Patricia Every, says she was severely impacted by Charlie's death as most people were. "I'm here for the same reason as every single one of you. I'm here because I am Charlie."
September 15, 2025 at 2:31 AM
Someone is dressed as a handmaid from The Handmaid's Tale, and they're slowly walking towards the legislature.
September 15, 2025 at 2:18 AM
I just confirmed with the Sheriffs on site that around 600 people are in attendance. The vigil for Charlie Kirk is set to begin at 8.

#abpoli #ableg
September 15, 2025 at 1:56 AM
Attendees are given wax candles to light and are invited to leave flowers and gifts on the legislature steps for Charlie.
September 15, 2025 at 1:53 AM
Thanks Roy, much appreciated!
August 15, 2025 at 4:56 PM