Top five moments from Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk’s massive memorial service at a packed State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
Grief mingled with resolve Sunday afternoon as friends, family and conservative heavyweights gathered at a packed State Farm Stadium in Arizona to honor the life of Charlie Kirk.
From emotional tributes to playful stories, to spiritual calls and political pledges, here are the top moments from his memorial service: 1. President Donald Trump calls Charlie Kirk a ‘martyr for American freedom’
President Donald Trump concluded Kirk’s memorial service with remarks honoring the Turning Point USA (TPUSA) founder, intertwining themes of politics and Christianity.
« Our greatest evangelist for American liberty became immortal », Trump said of Kirk. « He’s a martyr for American freedom »,
The president credited Kirk for helping him win the 2024 election by inspiring young voters across the country.
Trump also described the moment when his staff told him that Kirk was shot during a TPUSA event. He said that he was in the middle of a meeting in the Oval Office and called the revelation « surreal. »
« He didn’t deserve this and our country didn’t deserve this », Trump said, adding that Kirk’s assassination was an attack on American democracy.
Trump has survived two assassination attempts.
The president said he would soon honor Kirk at the White House with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. Following his remarks, he shared the stage with Kirk’s widow, Erika, and hugged her while « America the Beautiful » played across the stadium.2. Erika Kirk gives tearful speech honoring her late husband’s legacy, forgiving his killer
Kirk’s widow, Erika, received a standing ovation ahead of her speech honoring her late husband’s legacy.
