ALTON — Fans of conservative activist Charlie Kirk rallied in downtown Alton Saturday morning as protesters gathered across the street, but the events remained peaceful with one person even extending kindness to the other side.

Dozens of Kirk supporters, wearing white shirts, lined Piasa Street. High school student Ethan Flanigan, of Bethalto, said he came with his family to show support for Kirk, who was shot to death Sept. 10 while speaking with students at Utah Valley University.

Flanigan said he had watched videos of Kirk on social media, and respected him for thinking differently. He hopes Kirk's legacy inspires civility among Americans.

"I think that we just keep going and try to be better people," Flanigan said.

Prosecutors brought a murder charge Tuesday against the man acc

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