UPDATE: A prayer vigil for conservative commentator Charlie Kirk at the Kennedy Center today drew thousands, but the event was overshadowed by widespread criticism of the opening band. Attendees packed the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. this afternoon, gathering to honor Kirk, who was tragically shot dead last week.
Among the notable attendees were Trump administration officials and Republican lawmakers, including White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who spoke on the shared sense of “mourning” for Kirk. However, it was the performance by Sean Freucht, a Christian missionary and founder of the “Let Us Worship” movement, that sparked a firestorm of reactions on social media.
As Freucht took the stage with his band, many audience members took to platforms like Twitter and Instagram to express their disappointment. Comments ranged from “This sucks” to “Sounds terrible. Like Charlie’s speeches,” showcasing a significant backlash against the musical choice. One user remarked, “I love Charlie, but this dude can’t sing,” reflecting a sentiment that resonated with many attendees.
Freucht himself acknowledged the turnout in a Facebook post, noting, “Wow. Thousands inside here tonight. Thousands more that could not get in.” Despite his enthusiasm, the musical performance did not resonate well with the crowd, with numerous attendees voicing their confusion over the choice of artist for such an important occasion.
The vigil, intended to be a solemn tribute, faced additional scrutiny as some attendees expressed dissatisfaction not just with the music but with the event as a whole. One user referenced a planned memorial concert for children at the Annunciation Catholic Church, insinuating that it would be a more fitting tribute to Kirk’s legacy.
The Kennedy Center has been under increased scrutiny following changes made by the Trump administration to its board of directors, where longstanding members were replaced. The fallout has led to some subscribers of the National Symphony Orchestra and other cultural programs threatening to withdraw their support.
As the event concluded, the mixed reactions highlighted a broader cultural divide within the audience—one that underscores the challenges faced by conservative figures in contemporary public discourse.
What’s next? The Kennedy Center faces mounting pressure to address concerns from patrons and the artistic community alike, with many watching to see if further changes will be made in response to the backlash.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as the aftermath of the vigil unfolds.
