Published On 21 Sep 2025
A large crowd is anticipated to gather in Arizona for a memorial honoring Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, who was fatally shot earlier this month.
The ceremony is scheduled for Sunday at Glendale’s State Farm Stadium, which can host over 63,000 attendees. Organizers have also secured additional venues nearby to manage the expected overflow of mourners.
Among the speakers will be former President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other prominent Republican figures. The event, titled Building a Legacy: Remembering Charlie Kirk, will also feature remarks from Kirk’s widow, Erika, who recently assumed leadership of Turning Point USA.
The Department of Homeland Security has designated the memorial as an event of “highest national significance,” a status typically reserved for major occasions like the Super Bowl. This classification reflects the heightened security protocols in place, prompted by Trump’s presence and the politically charged atmosphere following Kirk’s death.
Kirk, aged 31, was killed on September 10 during a university gathering in Utah. Authorities have arrested a 22-year-old suspect, who allegedly acted alone and claimed to have targeted Kirk due to his opposition to Kirk’s views.
Known for his controversial stances, Kirk advocated for aggressive border enforcement tactics such as tear gas and rubber bullets; he frequently criticized Islam as a threat to American values and dismissed climate change as lacking scientific evidence.
Within conservative circles, Kirk was regarded as a key architect of the Trump movement, instrumental in mobilizing youth support for the former president and right-wing causes.
Trump has faced accusations of politicizing Kirk’s assassination by attributing it to “left-wing extremism,” despite law enforcement officials rejecting claims of a broader conspiracy. Critics argue that such statements exacerbate existing political tensions.
Founded in 2012 when Kirk was just 18, Turning Point USA has expanded into one of the most influential right-wing organizations in the United States, with a strong presence in educational institutions and across social media.
