Trump Hails Charlie Kirk as “Great American Hero” at Arizona Memorial Service
- US President Donald Trump led tributes to Charlie Kirk at a packed memorial service in Arizona, calling him a “great American hero” and “martyr”
- Kirk’s widow, Erika, delivered a powerful message of forgiveness, contrasting with Trump’s fiery rhetoric against political opponents
- The event, attended by nearly 100,000 mourners and top Trump officials, depicted Kirk’s influence on conservative youth and the deepening political divide in America
US President Donald Trump led tributes to conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a memorial service in Arizona, describing him as a “great American hero” and “martyr” before a crowd of nearly 100,000 mourners.
The event, held at State Farm Stadium near Phoenix, drew top officials from the Trump administration and marked a deeply partisan moment in American politics.
Source: Getty Images
Charlie Kirk memorial draws tens of thousands
The service took place on Sunday, less than two weeks after Kirk was shot dead while debating students at a university in Utah.
Tens of thousands queued for hours, some camping overnight, to attend the five-hour event, which featured Christian music, prayer, and impassioned speeches from political leaders and conservative figures.
Inside the stadium, the atmosphere resembled a political rally or megachurch service. Attendees wore Make America Great Again hats, Trump-branded merchandise, and patriotic outfits.
Speakers included Vice-President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr.
Trump praises Kirk’s legacy, rejects forgiveness message
President Trump’s speech was marked by both reverence and political rhetoric.
He praised Kirk as “a martyr now for America’s freedom” and “a great of his generation,” while also criticising the “radical left” and blaming it for violence in the country.
In a moment of contrast, Trump rejected Kirk’s philosophy of compassion towards opponents.
“He did not hate his opponents, he wanted the best for them,” Trump said. “That’s where I disagree with Charlie. I hate my opponents and I don’t want what’s best for them.” He added, “I’m sorry, Erika,” referring to Kirk’s widow.
Erika Kirk forgives husband’s alleged killer
Erika Kirk, who has been named the new CEO of Turning Point USA, delivered a tearful tribute to her husband.
She described the pain of seeing the fatal wound and the emotional aftermath of his assassination. “I felt shock. I felt horror, and a level of heartache that I didn’t even know existed,” she said.
Despite the tragedy, she told mourners she had forgiven the alleged killer, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson. “That man, that young man, I forgive him. I forgive him because it was what Christ did and it is what Charlie would do,” she said. “The answer to hate is not hate.”
Turning Point USA vows to continue Kirk’s activism
Speakers from Turning Point USA, the conservative student organisation Kirk co-founded at age 18, vowed to continue his mission.
The group, known for its combative campus debates and promotion of right-wing Christian values, played a central role in the memorial.
White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles said, “Charlie didn’t just help, he made the winning difference, I promise you that.” Vice-President Vance added, “We wouldn’t be here without him,” before telling the crowd, “We’ve got it from here.”
Stephen Miller, White House deputy chief of staff, declared, “The day that Charlie died, angels wept, but those tears have been turned into fire in our hearts. Our enemies cannot comprehend our strength.”
Kirk’s death sparks political tensions
Kirk’s death has intensified political divisions in the US. Many on the right have blamed the left for fuelling political violence, while critics accuse the Trump administration of using the tragedy to justify crackdowns on civil liberties.
Erika Kirk told the crowd, “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.”
Elon Musk, who had previously clashed with Trump, attended the service and sat beside the president. He later posted a photo of the two with the caption: “For Charlie.”
Charlie Kirk remembered as youth mobiliser
Kirk was widely recognised for energising young conservatives and mobilising the youth vote for Trump. His confrontational campus debates and viral clips earned him over 5 million followers on X and 7 million on TikTok.
He was a staunch supporter of gun rights, opposed abortion and transgender rights, and promoted false claims about Covid-19. While celebrated by conservatives, his rhetoric often drew fierce backlash from liberal critics.
Robinson, who has been charged with Kirk’s murder, is facing the death penalty. Authorities have yet to reveal a motive.
Source: Getty Images
Charlie Kirk: Former APC chieftain tells Trump what to do
Legit.ng earlier reported that a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, said the brutal murder of American conservative activist Charlie Kirk, is a grave loss to the global youth movement and the democratic community.
Nigerian political activist said Kirk is a rising figure whose passion for faith, country and humanity was reflected in his work.
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