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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."

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Last updated: Sunday, September 21, 2025 11:49PM GMT
Charlie Kirk remembered for faith, mark on conservative movement

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.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
ABCNews logo
Sep 21, 2025, 7:20 PM GMT

Charlie Kirk will receive honorary college degree, Hillsdale College president says

While speaking at Charlie Kirk's memorial, Hillsdale College President Dr. Larry Arn said that the conservative activist, who took classes at the Michigan college, will receive an honorary degree from the school.

He said Kirk "can't be replaced" and that he "deserves this reward."

Kirk has talked openly about never graduating college, and wrote a book titled "The College Scam" criticizing higher education.

Arn also announced Kirk's children, a son who turned 1 in May and a daughter who turned 3 in August, will receive college scholarships.

ABCNews logo
Sep 21, 2025, 7:04 PM GMT

Air Force One lands in Arizona

President Trump has arrived in Arizona for Charlie Kirk's memorial service. Air Force One landed moments ago at Luke Air Force Base, located just miles from State Farm Stadium. According to pool reporters traveling with the president, cabin televisions were playing footage from inside the stadium during the flight.

ByWill Steakin ABCNews logo
Sep 21, 2025, 7:00 PM GMT

Elon Musk says he's 'honored' to be at Kirk's memorial

Along with top officials in government, many of the biggest names in MAGA politics and media are present at Charlie Kirk's memorial, including billionaire Elon Musk.

In a Post on X, Musk showed the thousands packed in State Farm Stadium to honor Kirk.

"Every seat in this giant arena that isn't roped off for security is packed to the ceiling. Honored to be here," Musk wrote.

Musk added that all the attendees are "all for Charlie Kirk."

Elon Musk, center, waves to the crowd at a memorial for conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
Elon Musk, center, waves to the crowd at a memorial for conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

Musk and Kirk worked closely together, including during the 2024 presidential campaign.

ABCNews logo
Sep 21, 2025, 6:56 PM GMT

Kirk family pastor speaks on Charlie's legacy

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.
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.

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