At a memorial service in Arizona, US President Donald Trump honoured conservative activist Charlie Kirk, calling him a “great American hero” and a “martyr.”
Speaking to a crowd of tens of thousands at the State Farm Stadium near Phoenix, Trump described Kirk as a brave and bold individual who argued for his beliefs with brilliance. The activist was tragically killed on 10 September.
“He was assassinated because he lived bravely, he lived boldly and he argued brilliantly,” Trump said during his speech, reports the BBC.
Kirk’s wife, Erika, also addressed the crowd, her voice trembling as she spoke about her late husband. She shared her decision to forgive the alleged killer, Tyler Robinson. “My husband, Charlie, he wanted to save young men, just like the one who took his life,” she said, adding, “I forgive him because it is what Christ did. The answer to hate is not hate.”
The memorial service saw a large turnout of almost 100,000, with people arriving hours in advance, some even camping overnight to secure spots. Many attendees wore MAGA hats and Trump-branded items, creating an atmosphere akin to a political rally or megachurch gathering. Christian bands performed before the event, leading the crowd in sing-alongs and prayer.
Speakers included members of Kirk’s organisation, Turning Point USA, which advocates for conservative causes on college campuses, as well as prominent figures from the conservative movement. They emphasised Kirk’s faith and the importance of continuing his activism.
Elon Musk, despite a past public dispute with Trump, briefly sat beside the president, shaking hands and engaging in conversation.
Vice President JD Vance was joined on stage by others including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
As the service continued, Erika vowed to carry on her husband’s work. She was named the new CEO of Turning Point USA following his death. “These past 10 days after Charlie’s assassination, we didn’t see violence. We didn’t see rioting. We didn’t see revolution. Instead, we saw what my husband always prayed he would see in this country, we saw revival,” she told the crowd.
When Trump took the stage, the crowd erupted in applause. He praised Kirk as a “martyr now for America’s freedom,” Trump declared. “I know I speak for everyone here today when I say that none of us will ever forget Charlie. And neither now will history.”
Trump also stated he differed with Kirk because, “He did not hate his opponents, he wanted the best for them,” before adding, “That’s where I disagree with Charlie. I hate my opponents and I don’t want what’s best for them.”
The event highlighted the divide in America, with Trump and his supporters blaming the left for fuelling political violence. The Trump administration has called for action against the “radical left,” leading to accusations of overreach and concerns about civil liberties.
Tyler Robinson, charged with Kirk’s murder, faces the death penalty, though the motive for the killing has not yet been made public.
Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA at the age of 18 and became a well-known figure for his outspoken conservative views. He held debates on college campuses, drawing large crowds and sparking debates on controversial issues.
His online following grew to millions, helping energise the youth vote for Trump. However, he was a strong supporter of gun rights, anti-abortion, and spread misinformation about the Covid-19 pandemic which attracted heavy criticism from the liberals.
