Hundreds attend prayer vigil for Charlie Kirk at the Kennedy Center

Some participants said they didn't necessarily know or agree with all of Kirk's views, but they wanted to pay their respects.

Hundreds of people gathered at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., Sunday evening for a prayer vigil after Charlie Kirk's murder at Utah Valley University.

Members of Congress and President Donald Trump's cabinet were among those reflecting on Kirk's legacy and how his death is impacting the country.

“The leaders of the nation have been shaken, as have university students and college students and young people all across the country — the ground was shifted beneath us. We all felt it deep, deep,” House Speaker Mike Johnson said. “In spite of that, we remember that our dear friend Charlie would never want us to be overcome by despair.”

While prominent leaders attended the prayer vigil inside the Kennedy Center, people lined up outside, waiting to get in.

National Guard troops — some with long guns — maintained a presence on and near the property. There were also officers from several different local and federal agencies in their cars and on foot.

A lone protester with a megaphone made anti-Trump statements, but the vigil went on as planned.

Some participants told NBC Washington they didn't necessarily know or agree with all of Kirk's views, but they wanted to pay their respects.

“Talking, but not fighting with each other or swearing at each other or throwing things at each other, so I admire that greatly,” said Jim Norris, who was waiting in line.

“I’m just showing my respect for Charlie Kirk,” Esther Hyun, another attendee, said. “I admire him, and I think he was such a good debater.”

Inside the event, speakers reflected on Kirk's life and legacy, condemning the violence that took his life on Wednesday in front of thousands of people who had shown up for his Turning Point USA event.

While his critics describe him as divisive and wrong on his views, those at the vigil said they appreciated his willingness to stand for what he believed in and have open dialogue.

“I admire his style of giving opinion and or his belief and listening to another person,” Nancy Ferrell said.

“I think part of why he founded that organization was people felt kind of isolated, and that's when people tend to lash out,” another attendee said. “They feel like they're not being heard.”

A memorial service for Kirk is scheduled for Sept. 21 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Trump said he will attend the service.