Vigil in Boston Honors Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk

Boston Common, September 21, 2025

News Summary

A candlelight vigil on Boston Common honored Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist assassinated recently. The event attracted hundreds, but tensions escalated with counter-protesters. Two arrests were made, including experienced activist Joseph Antuan Castro Del Rio, who faced charges of disorderly conduct. Attendees emphasized unity against political violence, amidst a backdrop of deep political divisions. The vigil reflects ongoing debates surrounding Kirk’s controversial legacy.

Boston — Two individuals were arrested during a candlelight vigil in Boston held to honor Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist who was assassinated on September 10, 2025.

What happened

The vigil was held on Boston Common and drew several hundred attendees, including some who traveled from New Hampshire. The event included candle lighting, hymns, and prayers in memory of Charlie Kirk. During the gathering, tensions rose between vigil participants and a group of counter-protesters who identified themselves as anti-fascist and formed a perimeter around parts of the event.

Law enforcement made two arrests at the scene. One arrested individual was identified as Joseph Antuan Castro Del Rio, 38, of Watertown. Castro Del Rio identifies as a seasoned activist with over 20 years of experience in Boston and has prior arrests related to protesting. The other arrested person was a juvenile male taken into custody on an assault and battery charge; officers found a knife during that arrest and the juvenile faces an additional charge of possession of a dangerous weapon.

Charges and legal status

Castro Del Rio pleaded not guilty to charges of disorderly conduct and was released on personal recognizance with a court date scheduled for the following month. Prosecutors said he had been warned multiple times about his behavior before being taken into custody.

Actions that led to arrest

Police said Castro Del Rio used a bullhorn during the vigil to amplify his voice. Officers attempted to remove him from the area by unplugging his amplification device; he re-plugged it back in, at which point he was arrested. Castro Del Rio stated that he was quoting Charlie Kirk, that their followers did not like Charlie Kirk’s quotes, and that he accused the police of suppressing his free speech.

Event context and organizer

The vigil was organized by Brian Foley, who described the event as intended to promote unity and to call for an end to political violence. Foley invited both Democrats and Republicans to attend. Many people at the vigil said Charlie Kirk had inspired them and helped them feel comfortable expressing conservative views. Some attendees regarded Kirk as God-like due to his conservative values.

Counter-protesters and public response

Counter-protesters, identified as an “anti-fascist” group, formed a perimeter while voicing their opposition to the event, leading to tensions but no additional arrests reported in connection with them. Organizers and some attendees said the purpose of the vigil was remembrance and to discourage political violence, while the presence of counter-protesters underscored ongoing divisions in the political landscape following Kirk’s death.

Immediate aftermath

Police presence remained at Boston Common until the vigil concluded. Authorities reported no further arrests beyond the two incidents noted. Officials did not report major injuries associated with the event. Organizers encouraged respectful behavior and reiterated calls for unity after the arrests.

Background

Charlie Kirk was a prominent conservative activist whose assassination on September 10, 2025, prompted public gatherings and debate across political lines. This vigil on Boston Common was one of several public responses that reflected both support for Kirk and sharp ideological divisions among observers and participants.

FAQ

Who was arrested at the vigil?

Two individuals were arrested during a candlelight vigil in Boston held to honor Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist who was assassinated on September 10, 2025.

Where did the vigil take place and who attended?

The vigil took place on Boston Common, attended by several hundred people, including some who traveled from New Hampshire.

Who is Joseph Antuan Castro Del Rio?

Joseph Antuan Castro Del Rio, 38, from Watertown, was one of the arrested individuals; he identifies as a seasoned activist with over 20 years of experience in Boston and has been arrested five times for protesting.

What charges did Castro Del Rio face and what is his court status?

Castro Del Rio pleaded not guilty to charges of disorderly conduct and was released on personal recognizance, with a court date scheduled for the following month.

What did Castro Del Rio say about his actions at the vigil?

Castro Del Rio stated that he was quoting Charlie Kirk, that their followers did not like Charlie Kirk’s quotes, and that he accused the police of suppressing his free speech.

Was anyone else arrested and why?

A juvenile male was also arrested for assault and battery; he was found to have a knife during his arrest and faces charges of possession of a dangerous weapon.

Who organized the vigil and what was its purpose?

The vigil was organized by Brian Foley, who emphasized that the event was meant to promote unity and end political violence, inviting both Democrats and Republicans to attend.

Were there counter-protesters?

Counter-protesters, identified as an “anti-fascist” group, formed a perimeter while voicing their opposition to the event, leading to tensions but no additional arrests reported in connection with them.

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Quick reference table

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Additional Resources

• WCVB: Boston Candlelight Vigil for Charlie Kirk
• CBS News: Charlie Kirk Vigil
• Boston.com: What to Know About Vigil for Charlie Kirk
• Wikipedia: Charlie Kirk
• Boston.com: Charlie Kirk Vigil Draws Thousands
• Google Search: Charlie Kirk
• Boston Globe: Charlie Kirk Vigil Arrests
• New Boston Post: Charlie Kirk Candlelit Vigil
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Charlie Kirk

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