A sea of red, white, and blue filled the grounds around State Farm Stadium over the weekend as tens of thousands of supporters came together to honor the life of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The founder of Turning Point USA was remembered in a massive memorial service attended by politicians flying in from other states, grieving family, and a deeply patriotic crowd.
Despite the memorial not beginning until 11 a.m., attendees started arriving as early as 4 a.m., determined to secure a spot at the tribute.
Turning Point USA reported that over 200,000 people had registered for the event, with on-site officials estimating around 95,000 people ultimately attending, well beyond the typical stadium capacity of 63,400.
The unprecedented turnout forced organizers to open the nearby Desert Diamond Arena, which quickly reached its 20,000-person capacity. The gathering became one of the most significant political memorials in recent American history.
'I Forgive Him'
Erika Kirk, Charlie’s wife and new CEO of Turning Point USA, delivered a powerful and emotional eulogy, choosing grace over anger in the face of tragedy.
“That man, that young man—I forgive him,” she said of her husband’s killer. “I forgive him because it’s what Christ did, and it’s what Charlie would do. The answer to hate is not more hate. The gospel tells us the answer is always love. Love for our enemies, and love for those who persecute us.”
Her words resonated strongly with the crowd. Arizona political leader Karrin Taylor Robson called Erika “a beacon of strength,” praising her for a message of peace and resilience that moved everyone present.
Tributes From National Leaders
The event drew messages and appearances from several national figures, including President Donald Trump, who gave the keynote tribute.
“Charlie Kirk loved America with everything he had. And as we can see so clearly today, America loved Charlie Kirk,” President Donald Trump told the crowd. “He was a Great American hero. A martyr now for America. On that terrible day—September 10, 2025—our greatest evangelist for American liberty became immortal.”
Senator JD Vance also spoke, declaring, “America was his home, and he was willing to die for it.”
Businessman Elon Musk shared a message on X: “Charlie was murdered by the dark for showing people the light.”
Charlie's Impact
While the event was a remembrance, it also became a rallying event for Charlie’s company. Turning Point Action reported being overwhelmed by the number of people seeking to register to vote at the memorial, with hundreds lining up at registration tables.
“Arizona loves its own, [Charlie Kirk],” wrote Arizona Senator Wendy Rogers on X, referencing Kirk’s impact on the state and the nation.
Dressed in patriotic attire as requested by organizers, attendees honored not just the man, but the movement he led, a movement many say will continue to grow in his absence.
