President Trump called Kirk “immortal” and speakers called him a “martyr.”
Last Updated: September 22, 2025, 6:22 AM +07
Charlie Kirk was remembered as a “martyr” and “warrior” by some of the leading lights of the conservative movement, the Trump administration, friends as well as his grieving widow during a packed memorial service in Arizona Sunday.
As President Trump and others noted, the service felt more like a “revival” rather than a memorial, and Kirk’s connection to and efforts for his Christian faith were on full display throughout. Kirk was recalled for the movement among young conservatives that he helped spark, his willingness to debate and his fearlessness in the face of threats.
In a poignant moment, Kirk’s widow, Erika said that she forgives her husband’s alleged assassin.
Kirk, 31, founded Turning Point USA at age 18 and rose to become one of the most prominent conservative voices in the country. His influence, particularly with young people, helped propel Trump to office. But some of his comments on gun violence, LGBTQ issues, race and more often drew criticism from liberals and others.
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1 hour and 52 minutes ago
Trump and Erika Kirk hug on stage as service ends
At the end of his remarks, President Trump called on Erika Kirk to return to the stage.
President Donald Trump greets Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk’s widow during the public memorial service for right-wing activist Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, September 21, 2025.
Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images
The two hugged, then stood together as the crowd cheered and the program came to an end.
1 hour and 52 minutes ago
Trump says Charlie Kirk had will to ‘fight, fight, fight’
President Donald Trump said Charlie Kirk was someone who had a “good heart” and the “will to fight, fight, fight.”
President Donald Trump speaks during the public memorial service for right-wing activist Charlie Kirk in Glendale, Arizona, September 21, 2025.
Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images
“Fight, fight, fight” became a rallying cry for Trump supporters after an attempted assassination attempt on him in July 2024.
2 hours and 5 minutes ago
Trump says violence comes ‘largely from the left’
While speaking at Charlie Kirk’s memorial, President Donald Trump said violence comes “largely from the left.”
President Donald Trump speaks during the public memorial service for right-wing activist Charlie Kirk in Glendale, Arizona, September 21, 2025.
Win McNamee/Getty Images
Trump said Kirk talked to him about his previous death threats, but told Trump he “knew the risks” but would “never back down.”
2 hours and 5 minutes ago
Trump talks tariffs, autism report, 2020 election
President Trump, in his remarks about Charlie Kirk, strayed from talking about the conservative activist at times, speaking at length about his own administration.
Trump discussed a forthcoming announcement about autism, which he said is going to be “one of the most important news conferences I’ll ever have.” He also touted his tariff policy and again aired grievances about the 2020 election.
President Donald Trump arrives on stage during the public memorial service for right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, in Glendale, Arizona, September 21, 2025.
Win McNamee/Getty Images
