President Donald Trump on Sunday hailed slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk as a “martyr for American freedom” at a memorial service in Arizona that often blurred the line between a religious observance and a political rally. Trump used the occasion to accuse the “radical left” of being responsible for Kirk’s killing, even though no evidence has been presented linking the shooting to partisan motives.
“The violence comes largely from the left,” Trump declared, echoing claims he has made since the night of the shooting, before a suspect was even taken into custody. His remarks contrasted sharply with the more restrained tone of other speakers who focused on honouring Kirk’s life and legacy.
The service, organised by Turning Point USA, the conservative youth organisation Kirk founded, drew tens of thousands to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The venue, which holds more than 60,000 people, was packed with mourners dressed in red, white and blue, many wearing MAGA attire. The gathering featured tight security, metal detectors and performances by Christian rock artists, giving the memorial at times the atmosphere of a megachurch service.
Kirk’s wife, Erika, who has assumed leadership of Turning Point USA, delivered an emotional tribute to her late husband. Looking upward, she mouthed “I love you” before describing his devotion to Christianity, his activism and their young family. “I want all of you to know, while Charlie died far too early, he was also ready to die,” she said. “He left this world without regrets. He did 100% of what he could every day.”
She stunned the audience by offering forgiveness to the 22-year-old suspect charged with Kirk’s murder, citing the teachings of Jesus Christ. “My husband Charlie wanted to save young men, just like the one who took his life,” she added, drawing solemn applause.
Other speakers cast Kirk’s death as a turning point for the conservative movement. “You have no idea the dragon you have awakened,” said Stephen Miller, a senior White House adviser, in a fiery address. “You have no idea how determined we will be to save this civilization, to save the West, to save the republic.”
High-profile political figures including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and Vice President JD Vance all took part. Vance credited Kirk with helping Trump secure victory in last year’s election by mobilising young voters. “Our whole administration is here, but not just because we love Charlie as a friend, even though we did, but because we know we wouldn’t be here without him,” he said.
Trump’s remarks were the most overtly political of the evening, repeatedly targeting his opponents and drawing contrasts with Kirk’s approach. “He did not hate his opponents,” Trump said. “That’s where I disagreed with Charlie. I hate my opponents.” At the close of his speech, Trump invited Erika Kirk onstage, embracing her as “America the Beautiful” rang out across the stadium.
Kirk, 31, was shot dead earlier this month while answering a question at a campus event in Utah. Investigators say the accused gunman, a 22-year-old student at a local technical college, acted alone, though a motive remains unclear. Messages engraved on bullet casings and texts allegedly sent to a friend are under review, with experts divided on whether they point to left- or right-wing affiliations.
Civil rights organisations had long criticised Kirk for his rhetoric, which they said included racist, anti-immigrant, misogynistic and transphobic remarks. Supporters countered that he was a defender of conservative values and free speech. His death has deepened fears of escalating political violence in the United States, while further entrenching partisan divides.
During her address, Gabbard drew a wider historical connection. “They kill and terrorize their opponents, hoping to silence them,” she said. “But in this evil that we have experienced – that Charlie faced – their flawed ideology is exposed, because by trying to silence Charlie, his voice is now louder than ever.”
The memorial underscored Kirk’s outsized influence within the conservative movement and the degree to which his death has become both a rallying cry for his supporters and a flashpoint in America’s polarised political climate.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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