Tens of Thousands Gather at State Farm Stadium for Charlie Kirk’s Memorial Service in Glendale, Arizona
GLENDALE, AZ — On Sunday, September 21, 2025, tens of thousands of mourners convened at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, to honor the life of Charlie Kirk, the influential conservative activist who was tragically killed earlier this month. The public memorial service drew prominent conservative leaders, including former President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and other administration officials alongside countless supporters of Kirk’s conservative movement.
At just 31 years old, Charlie Kirk became a nationally recognized figure after founding Turning Point USA at the age of 18. Over his career, Kirk was known for advocating staunch conservative values and engaging students on college campuses through his American Comeback Tour. On September 10, 2025, his life was cut short when he was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University. His death sent shockwaves across political circles and conservative communities nationwide.
The memorial service reflected Kirk’s status as a polarizing yet pivotal figure in today’s political landscape. Speakers at State Farm Stadium hailed him as a “martyr” and “warrior” for the conservative cause, particularly emphasizing his role in the “Make America Great Again” movement. President Trump praised Kirk’s enduring legacy, stating, “None of us will ever forget Charlie Kirk, and neither now will history.” Vice President Vance and other officials echoed these sentiments, acknowledging Kirk’s unwavering commitment to conservative activism.
The stadium was filled with supporters waving American flags and holding banners, creating a powerful display of solidarity and respect. Musical performances, including bagpipe renditions and other acts, set a solemn yet celebratory tone. Among the most emotional moments was the heartfelt eulogy delivered by Erika Kirk, Charlie’s widow and the new CEO of Turning Point USA. She spoke with deep emotion, at times wiping tears, and extended forgiveness to her husband’s assailant, expressing, “I forgive him because that is what Christ did and what Charlie would have done. The antidote to hatred is not more hatred; as the Gospel teaches us, it is love.”
Erika Kirk affirmed her commitment to continue Charlie’s mission, declaring, “Now his mission is my mission.” This declaration reflected a determination among Kirk’s family and supporters to advance the causes he championed. The service also included remarks from spiritual leaders, elected officials, and associates who underscored Kirk’s faith, leadership, and enduring influence on young conservatives across the nation.
In a solemn procession, Kirk’s coffin was transported to Arizona aboard Air Force Two, accompanied by Vice President Vance. The memorial provided a moment for reflection not only on Kirk’s contributions but also on the broader tensions and divisions within American society that his life and death symbolized.
The event, capturing national attention, reaffirmed Charlie Kirk’s prominence as a defining voice in contemporary conservatism and showcased the deep admiration from his followers. Attendees left the stadium both exhausted and uplifted, united in memory and purpose.
The memorial service for Charlie Kirk closes a chapter on his impactful yet tragically shortened life, while also setting the stage for the continuation of his political and ideological legacy through Turning Point USA and its supporters nationwide.