Staff photo / Bob Coupland ... Tracy Randall of Youngstown, left, and Cindy DeRose of Canfield were among those who attended the celebration of life for Charlie Kirk on Sunday at the Warren amphitheater.

WARREN — Local judges David Engler and Mark Hanni decided something needed to be done locally to remember and celebrate the life of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA, who was assassinated Sept. 10 at a rally at Utah Valley University.

They organized an event Sunday afternoon at the Warren Community Amphitheatre, during which a livestream of Kirk’s memorial service at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, was shown. Approximately 100,000 people attended the national service.

Locally, the Chris Higbee Band performed, and there were prayers and speakers.

“This is our local tribute to Charlie and then a celebration of his life. David Engler came up with the idea for the local event and I said I would help him do it,” Hanni said.

Hanni, a judge for the Ohio 7th District Court of Appeals, said there has been a revival ignited across the country and the world started by Kirk, which now continues with many people across the globe.

“I believe in peaceful free speech as he did,” Hanni said, describing Kirk as “a Christian crusader.”

Engler, Trumbull County Family Court judge, said the celebration of Kirk’s life brings people together across the nation. He said the local event was a chance for friends, family and supporters to come together in remembrance and unity.

“The life of Charlie Kirk was exceedingly well lived. He was about bringing people together. This is an opportunity to get together as a community and remind people what Charlie Kirk was all about while celebrating his life,” he said.

Engler said he had the opportunity to meet Kirk and speak to him, noting he was surprised how tall Kirk was.

“He was politically outspoken on different issues, but always talked about God first,” Engler said.

Members of the Trumbull County Republican Women’s Club handed out more than 250 free T-shirts and bottled water during Sunday afternoon’s event.

Judie Shortreed, president of the club, said they gave out their supply of the shirts quickly, and people welcomed the free water as the temperatures were in the 80s. The shirts had either the words “Faith” or “Freedom” printed on them. Kirk was wearing a T-shirt with “Freedom” emblazoned on it the day he was assassinated.

Byron Shutt of Leavittsburg said Kirk was an example of someone who supported free speech for everyone.

“He encouraged debate and open dialogue, which is America. It is important that there be open dialogue, which is the core of America,” Shutt said.

Eleventh District Court of Appeals Judge Matt Lynch of Geauga County said it was important to honor Kirk and celebrate freedom of speech.

“That was what Charlie was all about,” he said.

Chris Higbee said he was asked to perform at the event, and he rearranged his schedule Sunday so he could attend.

Pastor John Rutherford said just as the Turning Point ministry is a big turning point for many people’s lives, the event Sunday was a turning point for Trumbull County and America, and a way for God to bring souls into his kingdom.

“Charlie may be absent from the body, but he is in the presence of the Lord. We celebrate his life and mourn for his wife and children. We came together to remember Charlie Kirk. Today, we proclaim Charlie’s words to the nation,” Rutherford said.

“To me, Charlie Kirk was a man of God and peace. His message will transcend not only in the United States, but worldwide. He will continue to lead people to Jesus,” said Cindy DeRose of Canfield with the Mahoning County Republican Women’s Club.

Tracy Randall of Youngstown said the event was very nonpartisan and uplifting.

“We are all God’s children everyday. It is a shame it takes something like this tragedy to bring us all together. I feel this will be a turning point in bringing the country together in unity,” Randall said.

The Mahoning County Young Republicans in a statement said, “We lost a great American. We thank Charlie for all he did for the cause of freedom, faith and free speech. Through his thoughts, ideals, and debates, he gave so many young Americans a voice in politics and with it the power in shaping our republic. For those of us of a certain age, Charlie Kirk represented the best of America and its idealism.”

The organization is hosting a candlelight vigil at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the band shell at Austintown Township Park.