Turning Point UK hosted a vigil for Charlie Kirk at the Montgomery statue in Whitehall on Friday. The organisation, founded by Kirk and US political commentator Candace Owens in 2018, describes itself as a grassroots conservative activist movement.

Despite heavy rain, an estimated 500 people attended the gathering, where speeches were delivered by Turning Point UK CEO Jack Ross and youth ambassador Young Bob.

Ross told the crowd: "Charlie was a good Christian man and his passion came from his desire to help people."

Referring to the man accused of fatally shooting Kirk at Utah Valley University, he added: "Whilst justice won't bring Charlie back, I hope it will help ease his family's pain. We ask that the law shows Tyler Robinson no mercy."

The UK branch of Turning Point paid tribute to their founder in front of a large Union Jack emblazoned with Psalm 125:3: "For the sceptre of the wicked will not rest on the land allotted to the righteous, lest the righteous put forth their hands to evil."

Kirk was often described as a divisive figure for his debate style and outspoken views. Bill, a Christian attendee at the vigil, said: "I got the impression he always would want to open discussion. In my opinion, that demands a lot of respect."

Ross also urged supporters to remember Kirk’s wider impact: "Whilst we are angry and certainly should never forget this anger and what they have done, we should look back on Charlie fondly as the man who led the charge mainstreaming patriotism, Christianity and conservatism to young people across the world."

Tyler Robinson, 22, is the lead suspect in Kirk’s death. He allegedly confessed to his father, who sought advice from a family friend and youth pastor. The pastor, also a court security officer, then alerted US marshals.