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Luke Rottman wanted to do something meaningful to promote peace and unity in Stamford, and also to honor the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk, a father and husband who was brutally assassinated. He decided to arrange a Peace Walk from the Stamford Government Center to Harbor Point.
A thoughtful way to remember Kirk, but it turns out the idea of a Peace Walk triggered some people into harassing and yelling at the 26-year-old while he was planting yard signs to advertise his event.
"I was hassled on the street while organizing this event," Rottman explained, a bit perplexed that people would act that way toward someone arranging a Peace Walk to bring his community together. "Having sympathy for Charlie, and any victim of gun violence, should not be clouded by politics."
More than a hundred people turned out for the Peace Walk on Saturday, September 20, which started with brief comments from Rottman (see below video) before opening up the microphone to the community to share their thoughts and prayers.
One of the handful of speakers to take the mic was Maria Larrea, a candidate for the Board of Representatives for District 8.
She was especially grateful to Rottman for bringing everyone together for unity and peace, and hoped to carry on Charlie's mission.
The group walked together down Washington Boulevard to Harbor Point before circling back, receiving plenty of positive support along the way.
"I am proud that so many Stamford residents assembled on short notice to pay respect to his life, and to promote peace and unity in our town," said Rottman. "We had many members from the Stamford Republican Party in attendance, along with several good Democrat and Independent friends and neighbors who bravely [or strongly] support our message."
The Stamford Republican Town Committee (RTC) thanked everyone who joined for the Peace Walk.
"Your presence and voices made it clear, our community stands united for peace, free speech, and an end to political violence. This was not about party or politics, but about people neighbors, families, and friends walking together for what truly matters. Today we proved that when we come together, we are stronger, and that peace is something worth standing for," wrote the Stamford RTC on Facebook to overwhelmingly positive feedback.
In fact all of the comments were positive except one comment from Stamford resident and Metro Hartford Alliance Board Member Ken Gilbert.
He wrote on Stamford RTC's Facebook post, "Stamford shows up for a racist, anti-Semitic, misogynist, hateful human being."
The Centinal joined Rottman for his Peace Walk, and encountered the most wonderful, thoughtful and kind people you'd ever want to meet.
No racism. No anti-Semitism. No Misogynists. No hate whatsoever.
Just love for each other, our state, our country, and God.
Too bad Gilbert couldn't see what we did.
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