Huntington Beach, CA has long been a bastion for conservative ideology, occasionally teetering on the radical. Like last year, when the city banned pride flags.
And recently, in the wake of the killing of right-wing pundit and pot-stirrer, Charlie Kirk, supporters of the fallen activist came out in Surf City to protest the political assassination. From videos of the event, attendees can be heard chanting: “White men, fight back.”
See footage from the protest, billed as a vigil, below.
In fact, the Huntington Beach City Council, including former UFC fighter and Huntington Beach Bady Boy, Tito Ortiz, commended the congregation of Kirk supporters. In a statement, they announced:
“The Huntington Beach City Council will stand united in our unequivocal condemnation of the horrific act of political violence that claimed the life of Charlie Kirk, a dedicated advocate for open dialogue and civic engagement, during a speaking event at Utah Valley University. This public assassination, targeting a man who was simply striving to foster respectful conversation and challenge young men and women to embrace diverse perspectives, is a profound tragedy that strikes at the heart of our democratic values.
“Charlie Kirk’s commitment to engaging in civil discourse, encouraging others to listen, learn, and understand differing viewpoints, whether or not they ultimately agreed, embodied the spirit of free speech and open debate that strengthens our nation. His assassination is not only a personal loss to his family, friends, and supporters, but a dark moment for America, underscoring the urgent need to reject violence as a response to ideological differences.”
Related: Huntington Beach Says No To Rainbow Pride Flags
Flags were flown at half-mast to honor the fallen. However, it was also September 11th, and some questioned why the flags weren’t honoring those who lost their lives on that day, instead of this political firebrand. One commenter wrote:
“So in 9/11 we are going to be in remembrance of Charlie Kirk and not our first responders and the victims of an attack on our nation? That’s pretty interesting.”
It must be noted that violence of any kind is abhorrent and unwarranted, regardless of politics or societal views. Charlie Kirk’s murder was a tragedy. Rest in peace.
Related: Surf Jousting: Mid-Air Collision in Huntington Beach (Video)