President Trump called Kirk "immortal" and speakers called him a "martyr."
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.
"Charlie Kirk is now a martyr. His power will only grow," conservative commentator Benny Johnson said in spirited remarks.
"Evil thought there'd be a funeral today, God has created a revival right here in this house right now," Johnson said.
President Trump's motorcade arrived on site at State Farm Stadium at 12:15 pm local time, or 3:15 pm ET, according to the White House press pool.
Trump is set to deliver remarks, as are many of his administration officials.
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.
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.
