Tonight, Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ) joined Ocean County elected officials and community leaders at a candlelight vigil in Berkeley Township, New Jersey. The event was organized to condemn the assassination of Charlie Kirk and honor victims of political and social violence, including Iryna Zarutska and former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman.
The vigil was hosted by Ocean County GOP Chairman George Gilmore. Attendees included Congressman Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ), State Senator Carmen Amato (R), Assemblymen Brian Rumpf (R) and Greg Myhre (R), the full Ocean County Board of Commissioners, and Berkeley Mayor John Bacchione (R).
The gathering responded to several recent violent incidents: the assassination of Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, on September 10, 2025; the murder of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on August 22, 2025; and the killings of Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman on June 14, 2025.
During his remarks, Rep. Smith referenced Erika Kirk’s eulogy for her husband Charlie. He said: “Erika Kirk’s beautiful eulogy for her beloved husband, Charlie, on Sunday was powerful—and inspiring.
A woman of deep faith and strength, Erika said that when she saw Charlie’s body, it was a moment of horror and a level of heartache that she never knew existed.
Yet like Jesus on the cross, she said she forgives the man who assassinated her husband. And that a major focus of Charlie’s ministry was the lost boys of the west—like his assassin.
Astonishing.
What faith.
What strength.
We need to pray for her and her children.
I say again, we need to pray for Erika and her children.”
Smith described Kirk as “an extraordinarily bright and incredibly courageous leader” who loved his family deeply. He emphasized Kirk’s commitment to non-violence: “He was absolutely committed to non-violence and to treating everyone with respect.”
Smith also spoke about other victims: “This past June, Minnesota State Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were assassinated—again, by a coward.” He stated: “Violence is never justified. Never. In our democracy, disagreement must only be engaged with dialogue.”
Reflecting on Kirk’s legacy he added: “Charlie Kirk faithfully lived the good news of the Gospel and inspired many to emulate his faith… Asked how he would want to be remembered, Charlie said he wanted to be remembered for the courage of his faith.”
Smith highlighted Kirk’s influence among young people through Turning Point USA: “His impact on the young was—and continues to be—especially amazing. As Charlie himself predicted, Turning Point would never be a flash in the pan movement.”
Rep. Smith has represented New Jersey’s 4th district in Congress since 1981 after succeeding Frank Thompson (https://chrissmith.house.gov). He is currently serving at age 70 after being born in Rahway in 1953; he resides in Manchester Township. Smith graduated from The College of New Jersey with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1975.
###
