A large crowd gathered in Arizona to pay public tribute to Charlie Kirk, the conservative youth leader who was tragically shot during a campus event in Utah.
Among the many notable attendees were former President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, highlighting the significant influence Kirk had within the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement.
The memorial took place at Glendale’s State Farm Stadium, a venue known for hosting the Arizona Cardinals and major concerts, including Taylor Swift’s Eras tour.
Supporters, many dressed in patriotic red, white, and blue, filled the stadium, with lines stretching for blocks before dawn despite the forecast of soaring temperatures reaching nearly 100°F (38°C) later that day.
Inside, the seats began to fill well ahead of the official ceremony, as attendees were visibly moved while listening to a Christian rock band perform in the lead-up to the main event.
Among those present was Dr. Jeffrey Barke, a physician with a substantial online audience, who traveled from Orange County, California, with friends on what he described as a “pilgrimage” to honor Kirk’s impact. He committed to using his platform to amplify Kirk’s message.
Christina Sawick, sporting a “Trump was right about everything” hat, shared that she had followed Kirk’s work since 2016. She left her Mesa home at 3 a.m. to attend the memorial, expressing admiration for Kirk’s readiness to engage in debates across political divides. “He was straightforward,” she said. “He wanted everyone’s voice to be heard.”
Sawick expressed hope that more Americans would embrace, or at least respect, the president and his vision. “Supporting our president is important,” she remarked. “There’s nothing wrong with striving to make America great again.”
Security was exceptionally tight, with the U.S. Secret Service leading efforts comparable to those at a Super Bowl. On Saturday, authorities detained a man carrying a gun and knife who had unauthorized law enforcement credentials and claimed to be providing private security at the venue.
A spokesperson for Turning Point USA clarified that the individual was conducting “advance security for a known guest” but had not coordinated with either the Secret Service or Turning Point. They also stated there was no indication the man intended any harm.
The nation continues to wrestle with the aftermath of the killing and the complex legacy of the 31-year-old conservative influencer, known for his ability to connect with youth, his alliance with Trump, and his provocative podcasting. Kirk was fatally shot on September 10 while addressing an audience of approximately 3,000 mostly college students at Utah Valley University, the inaugural stop of his “American Comeback” campus tour.
Tyler Robinson, 22, has been charged with capital murder in connection with Kirk’s death, with prosecutors indicating they will pursue the death penalty.
Following the tragedy, Trump and his team have pointed fingers at Democrats, despite bipartisan condemnation of the violence and official statements suggesting the suspect acted independently.
Prosecutors believe Robinson was motivated by personal animosity toward Kirk’s perceived hostility. However, according to three sources familiar with the investigation cited by NBC, federal authorities have found no evidence linking Robinson to left-wing organizations, which the Trump administration had threatened to target after the shooting.
In response to the outpouring of grief and anger on the right, conservatives have called for consequences against those who have criticized or mocked Kirk. This wave of retaliation has led to the dismissal, suspension, or reprimand of teachers, students, journalists, and even late-night host Jimmy Kimmel over remarks related to Kirk or his death. Critics argue this crackdown resembles the very cancel culture Kirk opposed and raises concerns about censorship and free speech.
The lineup of speakers at the funeral highlighted Kirk’s close ties to Trump, his family, and influential Republicans. Vance personally traveled to Utah to escort Kirk’s casket to Phoenix aboard Air Force Two. Kirk was a frequent visitor to Mar-a-Lago after the 2024 election, where he was involved in Trump’s cabinet planning and witnessed his second inauguration in January.
Kirk founded Turning Point USA in 2012 at just 18 years old, aiming to mobilize young conservatives. Over 13 years, he built the organization into a powerful right-wing force with extensive influence across high schools, universities, and social media platforms.
On Thursday, Turning Point’s board unanimously appointed Erika Kirk as the new CEO and chairperson, succeeding her late husband.
