Charlie Kirk memorial updates: 'I forgive him,' widow Erika Kirk says of alleged shooter
President Trump called Kirk "immortal" and speakers called him a "martyr."
Last updated: Sunday, September 21, 2025 11:49PM GMT
President Donald Trump praised Charlie Kirk as a "great American hero" and "martyr" for freedom as he and other prominent conservatives gathered Sunday evening to honor the slain conservative political activist whose work they say they must now advance.
The memorial service for Kirk, whom Trump credits with playing a pivotal role in his 2024 election victory, drew tens of thousands of mourners, including Vice President JD Vance, other senior administration officials and young conservatives shaped by the 31-year-old firebrand.
Speakers highlighted Kirk's profound faith and his strong belief that young conservatives need to get married, build families and pass on their values to keep building their movement. They also repeatedly told conservative activists, sometimes in confrontational tones, that the best way to honor Kirk was doubling down on his mission to move American politics further to the right.
Kirk 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.
ABC News and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
Pastor Rob McCoy, the Kirk family pastor, was the first speaker for Sunday's service. He said Kirk "had more lifetimes in 31 years than a lot of us had in the entirety of our own."
Pastor Rob McCoy speaks at a memorial for conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
He also said he spoke with several members of the Turning Point USA staff before stepping on stage, some of whom he said were worried they would be unsuccessful without Kirk.
"Without Charlie Kirk's presence, they pulled off the largest event in Turning Point history. Let's thank them," McCoy said, prompting a large round of applause.
According to local officials, Turning Point had more than 200,000 people register for the memorial service on their website.
"Turning Point is alive and well," McCoy said.
ByOlivia Rubin
Sep 21, 2025, 6:45 PM GMT
Report: Kirk's wife urged him to take more precautions
Erika Kirk urged her husband to take more safety precautions the night before he left for the Utah where he was killed last week, according to an interview published in the New York Times ahead of his memorial service.
In the interview conducted earlier this week, Erika Kirk and a friend suggested taking measures like wearing a bulletproof vest or speaking behind bulletproof glass, which Charlie Kirk rebuffed, according to the Times.
Charlie Kirk throws hats to the crowd after arriving at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, 2025 in Orem, Utah.
The interview also includes more new details, including where Erika Kirk was when she was informed of the shooting, her decision to view her 'husband's body over the recommendation of the sheriff, and some insight into her call with President Donald Trump.
Sep 21, 2025, 6:20 PM GMT
Charlie Kirk memorial service now underway
The program for Kirk's memorial service is now underway, beginning with rendition of "Amazing Grace" played on the bagpipes. Christian music singer Chris Tomlin then took the stage to perform.
Attendees await the start of the memorial service for political activist Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium on September 21, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona.
Several Trump Cabinet members have arrived for the service, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Sep 21, 2025, 6:10 PM GMT
Gov. Shapiro says Americans must 'universally condemn political violence'
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat whose residence was set on fire earlier this year while he and his family were asleep inside, said on NBC's "Meet the Press" on Sunday that the nation is at an "inflection point."
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks at the Hanwha Philly Shipyard for a cristening ceremony Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, in Philadelphia.
"I hope we go the direction of healing, of bringing people together, of trying to find our commonalities, not just focus on our differences," Shapiro said on the morning of conservative activist Charlie Kirk's memorial service.
The governor said that after the arson attack on his residence in April, he saw his people of all backgrounds in his state come together.
"I want to see that in America now in the wake of the killing of Charlie Kirk, on the heels of the killing of Speaker Hortman and her husband, and just too much political violence," Shapiro said, referring to the June murder of Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband in their home. "We've got to find our better angels. We've got to universally condemn political violence no matter where it is. Whether it's against Charlie Kirk or someone else, it is not okay. We all have to work together to condemn it."
When asked about Kirk's legacy, Shapiro said the 31-year-old activist was someone "devoted to speech and debate."
"I appreciate the fact that he showed up in town squares and college campuses and sought to debate others, whether I agree with it or not. The answer to debate and speech that you don't like is not violence or taking someone's life. It's more speech. It's more debate. It's more engagement. And that's what we need more of in our communities," the governor said.
