GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The weight of Charlie Kirk's assassination is being felt across the country and here in West Michigan.

People who knew him and were inspired by him say they are remembering Kirk for his faith, his love of the country and family, and his courageous approach to discourse.

Pastor Cody Keuhl, lead pastor at GR.Church in Grand Rapids, told News 8 that his friendship with Kirk started from an Instagram message inviting him to speak at his church in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Charlie came at a time when he spoke clarity into all the chaos that was going on," he said.

Keuhl said he was inspired by Kirk's faith and his message to Americans during what he said was a divisive time in the United States. He said when he heard the news, he did not believe it.

"

See Full Page