Thousands mourn activist Charlie Kirk
Trump hails him as a martyr as Turning Point vows to continue his mission
Thousands gathered at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona to honor the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated at a campus event in Utah earlier this month. The memorial, organized by Turning Point USA, blended a religious revival with a “Make America Great Again” rally: Christian rock music played, banners displayed Kirk’s image, and many attendees wore red, white and blue or MAGA M A ‑ branded apparel. Security was tight, with metal detectors and a heavy police presence, as national figures arrived to speak.
President Donald Trump opened the program, calling Kirk a “martyr for American freedom” and blaming the radical left for fostering the climate that led to his death. Vice President J.D. Vance and several cabinet members also paid tribute, emphasizing the need to continue Kirk’s youth‑mobilization efforts. Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, was elected chief executive of Turning Point USA after his death and delivered a tearful address, highlighting her husband’s Christian faith, urging forgiveness for the shooter, and pledging to carry forward his mission.
Kirk, 31, was killed with a single bullet while answering a question at the Utah event. A 22‑year‑old technical‑college student has been charged, claiming he acted because he was “tired of his hate.” Kirk left two young children; his family’s presence added a personal dimension to the proceedings.
Supporters framed Kirk as an inspirational leader who energized young voters for the Trump campaign and defended conservative values such as free speech. Critics have labeled his rhetoric as racist, anti‑immigrant, transphobic and misogyn‑ist, but his backers dismissed those accusations as partisan attacks.
The ceremony concluded with calls for political action: speakers urged attendees to sustain Kirk’s legacy through continued activism, faith‑guided service, and engagement in upcoming elections. Overflow crowds gathered outside the stadium, underscoring the depth of his following and the polarizing impact of his death on the American political landscape.
