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Tens of Thousands Honor Charlie Kirk at Memorial Service
More than 60,000 people gathered at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Sunday, September 21, 2025, to attend a public memorial service for Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA. The event featured emotional tributes and partisan remarks from political figures.
A Partisan Memorial
The service, held at State Farm Stadium, exceeded the venue's capacity of 63,400. Overflow crowds watched the event from secondary venues, with some journalists noting that the memorial at times resembled a political rally due to voter registration booths and Republican talking points. The memorial honored Kirk, who was fatally shot on September 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University at the age of 31.
Erika Kirk's Message of Forgiveness
Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk's widow and the newly elected CEO and chairman of Turning Point USA, delivered an emotional speech focused on forgiveness. She forgave Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old suspect charged with Kirk's murder. "My husband, Charlie, he wanted to save young men, just like the one who took his life," she said. "That young man … I forgive him. I forgive him because it was what Christ did, and it's what Charlie would do." Erika Kirk also spoke of strengthening the American family, and that her husband’s legacy would continue.
Trump's Contrasting Perspective
President Donald Trump, also spoke at the memorial, offering a different perspective. While acknowledging Kirk's desire to help his opponents, Trump admitted, "That's where I disagreed with Charlie. I hate my opponent and I don't want the best for them. I'm sorry, I am sorry, Erika." He concluded by saying, “Charlie’s angry, looking down, he’s angry at me now." He later said that Kirk was "like a son" to him.
Other Speakers and Remarks
The memorial service featured other prominent figures like Vice President JD Vance, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and White House advisor Stephen Miller. Miller positioned Kirk's death as a rallying cry against unspecified "forces of wickedness and evil," drawing criticism for evoking language reminiscent of Nazi propaganda. Kennedy made comments referencing the "reptilian core" of humanity. Trump also teased a coming announcement regarding a possible "answer" for autism, potentially linking it to Tylenol use during pregnancy.
Trump's Eulogy Goes Off-Script
Trump's 40-minute eulogy was criticized for sounding more like a campaign speech. He highlighted his international tariff plan and crime crackdown in Washington, D.C., and claimed that Kirk pleaded with him to bring his anti-crime strategies to Chicago. In his remarks, the president promised to "save Chicago from horrible crime" in Kirk's memory. Trump also praised Washington D.C. and vowed to go into Memphis.
Emotional Highlights and Reactions
The memorial service was marked by several emotional moments. Frank Turek, Kirk's mentor, recounted his final moments with the fallen activist. Trump comforted Erika Kirk on stage, and they shared a hug. The event featured musical performances and prayers, creating a powerful atmosphere of mourning and remembrance. Some people have also commented on the unlikely meeting between Elon Musk and Trump at the event, showing them shaking hands.
