A memorial service for conservative activist and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk was held Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Arizona. Roughly 95,000 people filled the stadium, with an additional overflow attending at a venue outside Phoenix, for the public memorial honoring Kirk. Speakers included President Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, as well as other prominent conservatives and administration officials.
President Donald Trump addressed the massive crowd with an extended speech, describing Kirk as a “martyr” who gave his life for “American freedom.” One of the evening’s most poignant moments came from Kirk’s widow, Erika, who told the audience she had chosen to forgive the man accused of taking her husband’s life.
Faith and politics were central themes throughout the memorial. Speakers portrayed Kirk not only as a Christian evangelist but also as someone whose death carried the weight of martyrdom. The gathering also featured sharp rebukes of political adversaries, alongside passionate calls for national revival and what organizers described as “spiritual warfare.”
Kirk, who was just 31, was shot and killed on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University. Authorities have charged Tyler Robinson, 22, with aggravated murder and several related offenses in connection with the attack.
For further details and takeaways on the memorial for Charlie Kirk, head to news outlets ABC.com, NBC.com, CBS.com, or CNN.com.
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