Historic Charlie Kirk Memorial in Arizona to Draw 100,000 Attendees with Trump and JD Vance as Headliners
A massive memorial service for conservative activist Charlie Kirk is set to take place Sunday, September 21, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, with an estimated attendance of 100,000 people. The event will feature remarks from former President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other senior conservative leaders.
Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative voice and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot on September 10 at Utah Valley University during his “American Comeback Tour.” His death has sent shockwaves throughout American politics and ignited a wave of tributes, legislative action, and political debate about violence and free speech.
The memorial, titled “Building a Legacy: Remembering Charlie Kirk,” comes nearly two weeks after the tragic incident and is expected to be one of the largest conservative gatherings in recent memory. Kirk’s remains were flown to his hometown of Phoenix on Air Force Two, and multiple memorial events have taken place in Arizona, including a vigil at Arizona State University attended by thousands.
Speakers and Significance
Key speakers at the memorial include former President Donald Trump, who credited Kirk and Turning Point USA for playing a vital role in his 2024 re-election victory. Vice President JD Vance and several other prominent conservatives within the current administration are also slated to speak, highlighting Kirk’s impact on the conservative movement, particularly among young Americans.
Kirk, who founded Turning Point USA at age 18, became a powerful influencer in conservative politics, known for his outspoken views on gun rights, LGBTQ issues, and race. Despite controversies, his role in mobilizing conservative youth is widely acknowledged within GOP circles.
Security and Community Response
Authorities have designated the memorial a Level 1 Special Event — the same security classification as the Super Bowl — requiring extensive federal and local security coordination. Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell emphasized that while peaceful mourning and protest are protected, no illegal activity will be tolerated.
In a significant security incident shortly before the event, an armed man carrying a knife and firearm was arrested inside the stadium, underscoring the heightened tension around the memorial.
Mitchell called for unity and civility, stating that the community must honor Kirk’s memory with “peace and respect for others,” avoiding division and violence.
National Impact and Ongoing Fallout
The aftermath of Kirk’s death has gone beyond mourning, sparking legislative efforts such as the Senate’s resolution to establish October 14, Kirk’s birthday, as a “National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk.” The event has also generated controversies, including workplace repercussions and national debates around free speech and political violence.
The suspect, Tyler Robinson, 22, was charged with aggravated murder and is facing the possibility of the death penalty. The investigation and political fallout continue as the nation watches the memorial unfold.
The service at State Farm Stadium will open its doors at 8 a.m. local time with the program starting at 11 a.m., drawing tens of thousands of mourners prepared to honor one of the most influential young conservative leaders of this era.