'Eternal debt of gratitude': Trump, conservative leaders celebrate Charlie Kirk N'dea YanceyBragg, Kathryn Palmer, Karissa Waddick, Ronald J. Hansen, Zac Anderson, Thao Nguyen and James Powel, USA TODAY NETWORK September 21, 2025 at 2:05 PM 5.
- - 'Eternal debt of gratitude': Trump, conservative leaders celebrate Charlie Kirk
N'dea Yancey-Bragg, Kathryn Palmer, Karissa Waddick, Ronald J. Hansen, Zac Anderson, Thao Nguyen and James Powel, USA TODAY NETWORK September 21, 2025 at 2:05 PM
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GLENDALE, AZ — Tens of thousands of mourners, including President Donald Trump and members of his administration, honored the life of prominent conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a memorial service in Glendale on Sunday.
Elected officials, faith leaders, Kirk's colleagues, and his loved ones addressed the crowd at State Farm Stadium, with supporters holding up signs and carrying American flags. Speakers emphasized Kirk's religious faith and his contributions to the "Make America Great Again" movement as a leading voice for young conservative activists.
Choking up at times and dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief, Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, delivered an emotional eulogy for her slain husband and received a standing ovation when she declared of his killer: "I forgive him."
"I forgive him because it was what Christ did and it is what Charlie would do," said Erika Kirk. "The answer to hate is not hate. The answer we know from the Gospel is love."
Kirk, 31, a close ally of the Trump administration and Turning Point USA co-founder, was assassinated earlier this month while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. His death sparked an outpouring of grief and anger from the highest levels of government, including Vance, who accompanied his coffin as Air Force Two transported his body home to Arizona, where Kirk lived with his wife and two children.
1 / 6Charlie Kirk remembered in memorial service at State Farm StadiumA man wearing a MAGA hat holds his phone as people arrive to attend the public memorial service of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk outside State Farm stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on September 21, 2025.Trump calls out political rivals in wide-ranging eulogy
Trump vacillated between eulogizing Kirk, celebrating his political achievements, and taking shots at his rivals, including former President Joe Biden. While discussing a ceremony to award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, Trump touted his recent efforts to combat crime in the nation's capital.
"We stopped the crime in Washington. It took 12 days," Trump said, adding that he plans to make similar moves in Memphis and Chicago and calling Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker "incompetent."
Like other speakers on Sunday, Trump condemned those who "cheered" Kirk's killing, including a late-night TV host who Trump said implied that Kirk "deserved" what happened to him. Trump did not identify the host, but his comments came days after ABC suspended "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" over the comedian's comments about Kirk.
Trump also lashed out at the "radical left." He said Kirk was killed for expressing beliefs deeply held by many of those in the stadium and across the country, calling the killing "an assault on our most sacred liberties and God given rights."
"That gun was pointed at him, but the bullet was aimed at all of us," Trump said.
Trump also repeatedly referenced the 2024 election, highlighting Kirk's role and calling out Biden by name for opposing his MAGA slogan. Trump concluded his speech by bringing Kirk's widow, Erika, back to the stage.
"The lesson of Charlie's life is that you should never underestimate what one person can do with a good heart, a righteous cause, a cheerful spirit, and the will to fight, fight, fight," Trump said.
— N'dea Yancey-Bragg
Trump calls for the death penalty
Trump once again called for Kirk's accused assassin, who has been charged with murder and other crimes in connection with the shooting, to be put to death.
"God willing, he will receive the full and ultimate punishment for his horrific crime," Trump said.
He added that in response to Kirk's killing, the Department of Justice is also investigating "networks of radical left maniacs" who organize and perpetuate political violence.
Trump: Kirk will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom
Trump said Kirk will receive the nation's highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The ceremony will take place in the White House, Trump confirmed.
Trump says he learned of Kirk's shooting in the Oval Office
Trump said he was in the Oval Office when he learned Kirk had been shot, describing the moment as a "surreal experience."
"They told me in front of a group of very powerful people, I said, 'You have to leave now, right now,'" Trump said.
Trump called Kirk "without a doubt among the most influential figures in the most important election in the history of our country." He said Kirk was one of the first people to speak to him about JD Vance, and the activist played a crucial role in helping him secure votes from men under 30.
"We owe Charlie a profound and eternal debt of gratitude," Trump said.
The president elicited some laughs from the crowd as he recalled Kirk making late-night phone calls asking Trump to speak at various events.
"I almost always went because you never wanted to let Charlie down. He worked so hard you didn't want to let him down," Trump said.
President Donald Trump arrives on stage during the public memorial service for Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.Trump says Kirk wanted him to 'save Chicago'
With tens of thousands of people packed into State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Trump eulogized the conservative activist, noting that Kirk "could always draw a big crowd."
Trump compared the crowd to "an old-time revival."
He also described Kirk as a good athlete, an Eagle Scout, and a fan of Rush Limbaugh who grew up in Illinois. Trump said one of the last things he and Kirk spoke about was the city of Chicago.
"And one of the last things he said to me is 'Please, sir, save Chicago,'" Trump said. "We're going to do that. We're going to save Chicago from horrible crime."
— Zac Anderson and N'dea Yancey-Bragg
Trump: 'Today America's a nation in grief'
During the memorial, Trump declared that "America's a nation in grief, a nation in shock and a nation in mourning."
Trump said Kirk was killed by "a radicalized, cold-blooded monster" because "he spoke for freedom and justice."
— Zac Anderson
Trump teases autism announcement
Later in Kirk's memorial, Trump said his administration would be making a big health announcement on Sept. 22, declaring: "I think we found an answer to autism."
Trump said it will be one of the most important news conferences of his time as president. The administration will reveal how autism "happens, so we won't let it happen anymore, and how to get at least somewhat better when you have it," Trump said.
— Zac Anderson
Erika Kirk: 'Even in death, I could see the man that I love'
Kirk recalled arriving at a Utah hospital on the day of her husband's death to do the "unthinkable" and "look directly at my husband's murdered body." She was shaken and felt "a level of heartache that I didn't even know existed."
"There was something else too," she added. "Even in death, I could see the man that I love."
Kirk detected the "faintest smile" on her husband's lips.
"It revealed to me a great mercy from God in this tragedy," knowing he didn't suffer, she said, wearing a white jacket and a diamond cross.
— Zac Anderson
Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk's widow, speaks at the public memorial service for right-wing activist Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, on Sept. 21, 2025.Erika Kirk: Marriage 'the best thing that ever happened to me'
Erika Kirk said her husband wrote love notes to her every Saturday, calling it "our little secret" to keeping their marriage strong. He ended the notes by saying: "How can I better serve you as a husband."
"My marriage with Charlie was the best thing that ever happened to me, and I know it was the best thing that every happened to him as well," Kirk said. "He wanted everyone to experience that joy."
Kirk said her husband was passionate about helping young men who feel lost and have no direction.
"My husband, truly, he wanted to save young men, just like the one who took his life," Kirk said.
— Zac Anderson
Vance calls Kirk a 'great American leader'
Vance described Kirk as a "kindhearted man," recalling a moment when he stopped to say a prayer for a White House staffer who was struggling to balance work with fatherhood. But Vance also acknowledged Kirk's outsized political influence, calling him a "great American leader" who reshaped the balance of the nation's politics and touched millions of young people.
The vice president also criticized those who have celebrated Kirk's death, saying he has often wished he could ask Kirk how to handle the influx of "hate."
"For Charlie, we will rebuild this United States of America to greatness," Vance said. "For Charlie, we will never shrink, we will never cower and we will never falter, even when starting down the barrel of a gun."
— N'dea Yancey-Bragg
Vance on Kirk: We wouldn't be here without him
Vice President JD Vance, who has been outspoken about Kirk's killing, was greeted by chants of "USA" as he began to speak about his "dear friend." He heralded Kirk as a "hero to the United States of America" and a "martyr for the Christian faith."
"Our whole administration is here, not just because we loved Charlie as a friend - even though we did - but because we know we wouldn't be here without him," Vance said.
Trump Jr. jabs at Hillary Clinton, Kamala Harris
Donald Trump Jr. did an impersonation of his father and jabbed at Democrats Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris in his speech at Kirk's memorial.
Trump Jr. said he's known more for his combative online presence than for being sentimental, before doing an impersonation of father telling him to tone it down. "You're getting a little aggressive on social media, Don. Relax," he said, channeling his father.
Trump Jr. said he was "devastated" by the death of Kirk, who he described as "like a little brother to me." Kirk would want to be known for his religious faith, he added.
"To say Charlie knew more about the Bible than me is an understatement, folks," he said. "It's like saying Donald Trump knows more about being president than Hillary Clinton or Kamala Harris. No kidding."
Trump Jr. delved more into politics than many of the others who spoke at the service. He criticized the media and talked about eradicating "criminal cartels."
— Zac Anderson
RFK Jr. says Kirk once asked if he was afraid of the risks of public life
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. began his remarks by talking about what he called Kirk's two greatest passions, his Christian faith and his love of free speech. He praised Kirk for his belief that "conservation was the only way to heal our country" and called his friendship "the best evidence that God loves us all."
Kennedy recalled Kirk once asking him if he was afraid of the safety risks that come with being a public figure. Kennedy said he replied that there are fates worse than death.
"Charlie died with his boots on, and he died to make sure that we didn't have to undergo those fates that are worse than death," Kennedy said.
— N'dea Yancey-Bragg
Trump and Musk shake hands at Kirk memorial
Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk were spotted speaking during Kirk's memorial in Arizona on Sunday.
Musk departed the Trump administration earlier in the year following an explosive split. The appearance at the memorial appeared to show that the rift between the two had, at least temporarily, smoothed.
— James Powel
President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk are pictured shaking hands during the public memorial service for Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.Pete Hegseth says Kirk was engaged in a 'spiritual war'
Kirk was known as a political activist and often spoke about cultural issues, but he was ultimately a spiritual warrior, said Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
"Over time, he realized, like so many of us have, that this is not a political war, it's not even a cultural war, it's a spiritual war," Hegseth said. "Faith and family first."
Kirk waged war "not with a weapon but with a tent, a microphone, his mind, and the truth," Hegseth added. "He went into the darkest of places… he went into college campuses where they said we couldn't go and he was the light."
— Zac Anderson
Marco Rubio remembers Kirk for his 'uncanny' wisdom
Secretary of State Marco Rubio recalled being skeptical when he first learned of Kirk's plan to promote conservative values on college campuses. Ultimately, Rubio said Kirk proved him wrong.
Rubio said Kirk led his movement with "incredible knowledge," recalling recent interactions with Kirk, including one in which he quoted former Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius.
"He just didn't have knowledge, he had wisdom, an uncanny amount of wisdom for a man as young as he was," Rubio said. "Wisdom that sometimes takes a lifetime to accumulate, he had it in just 31 years."
Rubio praised Kirk for actively seeking to engage those who disagreed with him on various platforms. He said the nation needs "the ability to discuss our differences, openly, honestly, peacefully, respectfully" in the way Kirk did.
— N'dea Yancey-Bragg
Tulsi Gabbard calls Kirk a defender of free speech
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard cast Kirk as a staunch defender of free speech, which she described as "the foundation of our democratic republic."
"We must protect it at all costs because without it we'll be lost," Gabbard added. "Charlie knew this. He lived it."
The Trump administration has sparked a debate about free speech with actions such as Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr pressuring ABC over comments by talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, whose show recently was suspended indefinitely, and suing the New York Times and other media outlets.
— Zac Anderson
Tucker Carlson remembers Kirk as 'truly fearless'
Conservative commentator and former Fox News host Tucker Carlson shared a Biblical anecdote and spoke about Kirk's Christian faith, calling him "a wonderful man and a decent man."
"But the main thing about Charlie and his message, he was bringing the Gospel to the country," Carlson said. "He was doing the thing that the people in charge hate most, which is calling for them to repent."
Carlson recalled sharing many stages with Kirk on which they called for the election of Trump. He praised Kirk for being "truly fearless to his last moment."
"He was unafraid, he was not defensive, and there was no hate in his heart," Carlson said.
— N'dea Yancey-Bragg
Susie Wiles says Kirk 'made the winning difference' for Trump in 2024
Kirk's group, Turning Point USA, partnered with the Trump campaign during the 2024 election, providing the "winning difference" that helped the president carry every swing state and the popular vote, said Trump chief of staff Susie Wiles.
Trump's victory was "powered by young people… that was Charlie's army and he made sure they understood the stakes," said Wiles, who served as Trump's campaign manager.
— Zac Anderson
Stephen Miller says assassination 'immortalized Charlie Kirk'
White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller pledged to continue fighting for the causes Kirk devoted his life to, casting the effort as a battle between good and evil.
"You thought you could kill Charlie Kirk? You have made him immortal. You have immortalized Charlie Kirk and now millions will carry on his legacy," said Miller, who handles policy and serves as a Homeland Security adviser to Trump.
Previously, Miller discussed plans to "go after" liberal nongovernmental organizations that they said support "doxxing" campaigns against conservatives, help orchestrate riots, publicize the addresses of political opponents, and promote messages intended to create violence on Sept. 15, during the episode of "The Charlie Kirk Show" podcast hosted by Vance.
Miller has called political violence on the left a "vast domestic terrorist movement," vowing the Trump administration would use "every resource we have at the Department of Justice, Homeland Security and throughout this government" to "identify, disrupt, dismantle and destroy" the networks.
"It will happen, and we will do it in Charlie's name," Miller said.
— Arizona Republic
Sergio Gor says Kirk helped stock Trump administration with 'loyal patriots'
After Trump won the 2024 presidential election, Kirk was deeply involved in helping him staff the administration, said Sergio Gor, the president's nominee to be ambassador to India and a key White House figure.
Gor said Kirk was "all Trump."
"Charlie knew the importance of hiring loyal patriots for this administration," he said, adding that "Countless individuals are currently in key roles across our government because of Charlie Kirk."
— Zac Anderson
White House Presidential Personnel Office Director Sergio Gor speaks during a memorial service for slain conservative commentator Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium, in Glendale, Arizona, U.S., September 21, 2025.Kirk's mentor shares eyewitness account of assassination
Author Frank Turek, who served as a mentor to Kirk, described the harrowing moment the activist was shot just feet away from him.
"When that shot rang out, I took a step toward him, but his security team was on him immediately," said Turek.
Turek said he got into an SUV with Kirk's security team after the shooting, where they attempted to save his life. Despite their attempts to render medical aid, Turek recalled seeing the activist "looking past me right into eternity."
"If it's any consolation, I learned later that Charlie felt no pain. He died instantly, but we had to try and bring him back," Turek said.
— N'dea Yancey-Bragg
Trump arrives at Kirk's memorial
The broadcast of Kirk's memorial showed Trump watching the speakers and later waving to the crowd shortly before 1 p.m. local time. Air Force One had landed at Luke Air Force Base at 11:42 a.m., as Trump is scheduled to speak at Kirk's memorial.
Many Trump administration officials are attending Kirk's service in Glendale, including Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
— Zac Anderson
U.S. President Donald Trump pumps a fist as he attends the memorial service for slain conservative commentator Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Sept. 21, 2025.Jack Posobiec says Kirk's death will save 'western civilization'
An animated Jack Posobiec said Kirk's death will be viewed as "the turning point" that "led to the saving of western civilization."
Posobiec, a conservative political commentator and the senior editor for Human Events, said Kirk's death revealed "ugliness" and declared "we will overcome their evil."
"We will never, ever let the left, the media or the Democrats forget the name of Charlie Kirk," Posobiec said.
— Zac Anderson
Congresswoman compares Kirk to George Washington, MLK Jr.
Rep. Ana Paulina Luna, D-Fla., said she would not have run for Congress if it weren't for Kirk, telling the audience she decided to join Turning Point USA instead of attending medical school.
She later compared Kirk to major historical figures in American history, including former Presidents George Washington and John F. Kennedy Jr., and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.
Those leaders, Luna argued, "changed the outcome of eras just as Charlie changed the trajectory of our modern fight against cultural decay and ideological tyranny."
— Karissa Waddick
Ben Carson thanks Kirk for his 'sacrifice'
Dr. Ben Carson, former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, criticized a politician, whom he did not name, for reportedly calling Kirk "ignorant" because he did not have a college degree.
Carson recalled seeing Charlie Kirk "run circles" around people who had higher levels of education than he did. "I wonder if that political figure realizes that most of learning in life comes outside the classroom," Carson said.
Carson ended his remarks by reading a passage from the Bible and thanking Kirk "for his sacrifice, because much fruit is going to be realized."
— N'dea Yancey-Bragg
Benny Johnson calls Kirk 'a martyr in the true Christian tradition'
Conservative political commentator Benny Johnson was among a series of speakers who said Kirk was a martyr whose influence will live on.
"You cut down a martyr, his power grows," Johnson said.
Johnson said he was "a degenerate loser" who was addicted to alcohol when he met Kirk. "I had nothing going for me," he said, adding: "After 10 years working with Charlie Kirk… I have become a Christ-centered man."
— Zac Anderson
Benny Johnson speaks during a memorial service for slain conservative commentator Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium, in Glendale, Arizona, U.S., September 21, 2025.Charlie Kirk podcast producer says continuing show 'excruciating'
Andrew Kolvet, the executive producer of Kirk's podcast, "The Charlie Kirk Show," said it was "excruciating" to continue recording the show in the week after Kirk's death and said his staff "heroically" carried on.
Kolvet remembered Kirk as a hard worker, telling the audience that the conservative activist read every single email he received from fans and often debated with his audience.
"He never forgot about you," Kolvet said.
— Karissa Waddick
College president says Kirk will get an honorary degree
Dr. Larry Arnn, president of Hillsdale College, a conservative Christian school in Michigan, told a brief story about how he once "interrogated" Kirk about his intellectual interests. He recalled asking Kirk some questions that he couldn't answer. "If you want to grow, you have to suffer," Arnn said he told him, advising Kirk to study the Bible, the classics, and the founding of America.
Now Kirk has suffered enough and has gone to the Lord, Arnn said. "He deserves his reward."
Arnn announced that Hillsdale College will be awarding an honorary degree to Charlie and Erika Kirk. He said Kirk can't be replaced.
"Charlie lives on. The assassin will die," Arnn said.
Kirk's movement 'only beginning'
McCoy told the crowd in Glendale that the slain activist's movement will only grow after his death.
"Charlie was not silenced," McCoy said. "His movement is only beginning. The voices of millions globally have been awakened."
McCoy said conservatives must continue to challenge "accepted culture."
"We won't cower in fear, we will never surrender," McCoy said. "We are resolved to live free from lies."
– Zac Anderson
Christian pastor provides opening remarks
Pastor Rob McCoy, the co-chair of Turning Point Faith, who described himself as the personal pastor of Charlie Kirk, gave the opening remarks at the memorial.
McCoy said Krik's memorial was Turning Point's largest event ever and said the organization was "alive and well." The crowd rose for a standing ovation at that remark.
Elon Musk attends Charlie Kirk memorial service
Billionaire Elon Musk said he is among the tens of thousands gathered in the State Farm Stadium, "all for Charlie Kirk." Musk shared a brief video of the crowded stadium in a post on X, which he bought in 2022.
"Every seat in this giant arena that isn't roped off for security is packed to the ceiling," Musk said. "Honored to be here."
Musk has posted repeatedly on social media about Kirk's killing, including calling for jail time for those appearing to celebrate his death.
"Charlie was murdered by the Dark for showing people the Light," Musk said.
Elon Musk arrives for a memorial service for slain conservative commentator Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium, in Glendale, Arizona, U.S., September 21, 2025.Attendees felt pulled to attend Kirk memorial
Many attendees at Kirk's memorial service traveled for hundreds of miles to honor the conservative activist.
Matthew Meely, a bus driver from Tucson, Arizona, drove nearly two hours with friends for the memorial and had been in line since before 5 a.m. Meely said he struggled with stage fright and saw the outspoken Kirk as a model of standing up and advocating for conservative beliefs.
He said that as soon as he heard Kirk was assassinated, he "almost felt the pull to actually go out and start" advocating, he said.
Others, including Hal Brown, crossed state lines for the event. Brown, who was wearing a white and gold "47" hat, said he traveled from Tennessee to celebrate the way Kirk spread Christianity.
"He's done more to bring people to Christ than most pastors have," Brown said of Kirk's influence.
Where can I watch Charlie Kirk's memorial service?
USA TODAY will be livestreaming Charlie Kirk's memorial service on Sunday.
Apart from USA TODAY, the memorial service will be carried live on networks including CBS News, CNN, Fox News, ABC News and NewsNation. For details on each broadcast and where to watch, click here.
– Fernando Cervantes Jr.
Vance pays tribute to Kirk in video ahead of expected memorial speech
Vance posted to social media a few hours ahead of the memorial service, where he is expected to give an address to a packed stadium of mourners.
"Last week, we brought my dear friend Charlie Kirk home one last time," the vice president wrote in the post on X on Sunday, reshared by Kirk's organization, Turning Point USA. "Today, we return to Arizona to remember Charlie and honor his sacrifice."
Vance, who was a close friend of Kirk, hosted an episode of the commentator's podcast show in memorial on Sept. 15, underlining his influence and close relationship with the White House. Vance has called him a "visionary" and a "luminary" who created a "whole social network for an entire generation of young people."
The post accompanied an emotional video showing the transportation of Kirk's casket back to Phoenix a day after he was fatally shot in Utah. Over somber music, the clip shows the late conservative activist's widow, Erika Kirk, alongside friends and family, and images of the vice president helping carry the casket to Air Force Two.
"May he eternally rest in peace, and may God watch over Erika and their beautiful children," Vance wrote in the post.
An attendee lifts her hands in praise as she sings along with Chris Tomlin during a memorial service in honor of Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Sept. 21, 2025.What to know about security for the Charlie Kirk memorial
Expect the tribute service for Kirk at State Farm Stadium to have presidential-level security and perhaps concert or football-level attendance.
The Secret Service is overseeing security for the event, and officials said those who do attend should expect the rules to be similar to those for Arizona Cardinals games. A no-bag policy will be in effect. Entry will be denied to guests carrying bags.
All attendees will go through a magnetometer with their keys, phones, and other items. Anyone flagged for additional screening can expect to have security examine them. Pat downs may be necessary.
– Ronald J. Hansen
Trump says memorial will be 'tough day'
Wearing his quintessential red tie, Trump told reporters that Kirk's memorial service on Sunday would be "a very tough day" as he boarded his plane en route to Glendale, Arizona.
"We're here to celebrate the life of a great man," Trump said of the service. He is expected to speak at the memorial later in the day. When asked what he plans to say to Kirk's family, Trump said. "I'm just gonna give em my love."
Charlie Kirk has died after being shot in the neck during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 10, 2025, President Donald Trump confirmed.Take a look back at Kirk's political career starting with his speech during the 2016 Republican National Convention at Quicken Loans Arena on July 18, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Conservative influencer Charlie Kirk has died after being shot in the neck during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 10, 2025, President Donald Trump confirmed.Take a look back at Kirk's political career starting with his speech during the 2016 Republican National Convention at Quicken Loans Arena on July 18, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/yM6Qu40 class=caas-img data-headline="Charlie Kirk in photos, from Trump rallies to debates" data-caption="
Conservative influencer Charlie Kirk has died after being shot in the neck during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 10, 2025, President Donald Trump confirmed.Take a look back at Kirk's political career starting with his speech during the 2016 Republican National Convention at Quicken Loans Arena on July 18, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio.
">Conservative influencer Charlie Kirk has died after being shot in the neck during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 10, 2025, President Donald Trump confirmed.Take a look back at Kirk's political career starting with his speech during the 2016 Republican National Convention at Quicken Loans Arena on July 18, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio.
" src=https://ift.tt/yM6Qu40 class=caas-img>
1 / 27Charlie Kirk in photos, from Trump rallies to debates
Conservative influencer Charlie Kirk has died after being shot in the neck during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 10, 2025, President Donald Trump confirmed.Take a look back at Kirk's political career starting with his speech during the 2016 Republican National Convention at Quicken Loans Arena on July 18, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Tissues, Charlie Kirk memorabilia on stadium seats
The seats inside State Farm Stadium were covered with signs for attendees. Some had a photo of Kirk with the words "NEVER SURRENDER REMEMBER CHARLIE KIRK" and the Turning Point logo. Other signs featured an illustration of Kirk and the scripture, "Here I am Lord, send me."
Seats also had red rubber bracelets that read "WE ARE CHARLIE KIRK," a phrase that has become popular in the days since the conservative activist's murder. Tissues were distributed in the stadium, as emotions are expected to run high during the service.
– Stephanie Murray, The Arizona Republic
Thousands lined up early for the Charlie Kirk memorial
Thousands of people lined up outside of State Farm Stadium for Kirk's memorial service before the sun rose Sunday morning. Many were clad in Make America Great Again hats and shirts printed with photos of Kirk.
As they waited, workers hung banners of the slain conservative commentator along the walls of the stadium. Chants of "U-S-A" erupted outside.
"We just want to get in and be part of it," said Lori Aquilone, who took an Uber at 4 a.m. from north Phoenix. She said she arrived between 4:30 and 5 a.m.
Tens of thousands of people are now located on the east side of State Farm Stadium for the Charlie Kirk memorial. Some arrived late last night and early this morning Sept. 21, 2025, in Glendale.Kirk service will likely set an attendance record
Glendale Police spokesperson Moroni Mendez told USA TODAY roughly 200,000 people are expected to attend Kirk's memorial, making it one of the largest political memorials ever held in the state.
State Farm Stadium, home to the Arizona Cardinals football franchise, can host more than 73,000 people, according to its website. Turning Point USA is planning to seat people who don't get into the football stadium in the nearby Desert Diamond Arena.
An estimated 15,000 visitors mourned former Sen. John McCain when he lay in state at the Arizona State Capitol in 2018. The 1998 funeral of former U.S. Sen. Barry Goldwater, R-Arizona, drew about 3,000 people, according to accounts from The Arizona Republic, part of the USA TODAY Network.
Erika Kirk waves to supporters who gathered to watch as a motorcade escorted the body of Charlie Kirk to Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix, Ariz., on Sept. 11, 2025.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/ZeiUyAo class=caas-img data-headline="See the emotional moment when Charlie Kirk's wife passes mourners as his body is moved" data-caption="
Erika Kirk waves to supporters who gathered to watch as a motorcade escorted the body of Charlie Kirk to Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix, Ariz., on Sept. 11, 2025.
">Erika Kirk waves to supporters who gathered to watch as a motorcade escorted the body of Charlie Kirk to Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix, Ariz., on Sept. 11, 2025.
" src=https://ift.tt/ZeiUyAo class=caas-img>
1 / 28See the emotional moment when Charlie Kirk's wife passes mourners as his body is moved
Erika Kirk waves to supporters who gathered to watch as a motorcade escorted the body of Charlie Kirk to Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix, Ariz., on Sept. 11, 2025.
Who is Erika Kirk? Charlie Kirk's wife to speak at memorial service
Erika Lane Kirk, 36, grew up in metro Phoenix and regularly appeared by her husband's side as he helmed Turning Point USA. The pair had been married since 2021 and lived in Arizona with their two young children at the time of his death.
The former Erika Frantzve earned her undergraduate degree in political science and international relations at Arizona State University, according to the bio page on her website. She received her Juris Master's from Liberty University School of Law in 2019 and says on her website that she is pursuing a doctorate in biblical studies.
She is the CEO and founder of a nonprofit, Everyday Heroes Like You, a faith-based clothing brand, and a ministry project called BIBLEin365 that her bio says "seeks to help individuals engage with the scriptures daily."
She's also the host of the "Midweek Rise Up" podcast, which she describes as a "devotional series focused on Biblical leadership and empowering others to lead with integrity and purpose." In her podcast and as a regular feature beside her husband, Erika Kirk has publicly championed the same political and biblical views as her husband, focusing specifically on young women.
Contributing: Amaris Encinas and Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY; Arizona Republic
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Charlie Kirk memorial updates: Trump and speakers honor activist
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