LEESBURG, Va. — The death of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk is being felt deeply across Northern Virginia, especially within the congregation at Cornerstone Chapel in Leesburg.

Wednesday night's service at the church was somber, as Pastor Gary Hamrick addressed Kirk's killing.

"Lord, we come before you tonight, our hearts are heavy for Erica and the girls," Hamrick prayed, referring to Kirk's wife and family.

Speaking to his congregation and later to WUSA9, Hamrick said he was taken aback by the news.

"I told the congregation I'm just in shock right now," Hamrick said.

For him, Kirk's death is personal.

"He was a good friend," Hamrick said.

Kirk and Hamrick had formed a personal friendship over the years.

In 2021, Kirk spoke to a packed crowd at Cornerstone Chapel

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