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Charlie Kirk memorial updates: 'I forgive him,' widow Erika Kirk says of alleged shooter

President Trump called Kirk "immortal" and speakers called him a "martyr."

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Last updated: Sunday, September 21, 2025 11:49PM GMT
Charlie Kirk remembered for faith, mark on conservative movement

President Donald Trump praised Charlie Kirk as a "great American hero" and "martyr" for freedom as he and other prominent conservatives gathered Sunday evening to honor the slain conservative political activist whose work they say they must now advance.

The memorial service for Kirk, whom Trump credits with playing a pivotal role in his 2024 election victory, drew tens of thousands of mourners, including Vice President JD Vance, other senior administration officials and young conservatives shaped by the 31-year-old firebrand.

Speakers highlighted Kirk's profound faith and his strong belief that young conservatives need to get married, build families and pass on their values to keep building their movement. They also repeatedly told conservative activists, sometimes in confrontational tones, that the best way to honor Kirk was doubling down on his mission to move American politics further to the right.

Kirk founded Turning Point USA at age 18 and rose to become one of the most prominent conservative voices in the country. His influence, particularly with young people, helped propel Trump to office. But some of his comments on gun violence, LGBTQ issues, race and more often drew criticism from liberals and others.

ABC News and the Associated Press contributed to this report.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
ABCNews logo
Sep 21, 2025, 5:30 PM GMT

Tens of thousands expected to pack Kirk memorial, say officials

Local officials said they wouldn't be surprised if more than 100,000 people gather for Charlie Kirk's memorial service.

Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk speaks during a campaign rally, Oct. 24, 2024, in Las Vegas.
Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk speaks during a campaign rally, Oct. 24, 2024, in Las Vegas.

Other high-profile figures who are scheduled to deliver remarks include Donald Trump Jr., Tucker Carlson, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, and White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller.

Attendees have been asked to wear red, white or blue to the service.

Read more here.

ByHannah Demissie ABCNews logo
Sep 21, 2025, 4:30 PM GMT

Trump says Kirk memorial is a 'time of healing'

Ahead of traveling to Arizona for Charlie Kirk's memorial, President Donald Trump praised him Sunday morning before boarding Marine One.

"We can celebrate the lives of a great man today, really a great man. He's a young man but a great man," Trump said. "And we look forward to it. It really is. We want to look at it as a time of healing, a time of whatever, that something like this could have happened is not even believable."

U.S. President Donald Trump talks to the media before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House on September 21, 2025 in Washington, DC.
U.S. President Donald Trump talks to the media before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House on September 21, 2025 in Washington, DC.

Asked what he's going to say to Kirk's wife and family, Trump said he's going to provide them comfort.

"Well, I'm going to just give them my love. There's nothing like you can say. You talk about the great things he's done. I mean, he's been amazing. He's had a tremendous influence for a young man that was, did a great job. He did a tremendous job, and he had a hold on youth because they loved him. They respected him," Trump said.

ABCNews logo
Sep 21, 2025, 4:00 PM GMT

High security as crowds gather at State Farm stadium

The memorial event at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, has been designated as a Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) Level 1 event by the Department of Homeland Security, meaning it will have the same level of security as the Super Bowl or the Boston Marathon.

A member of the bomb squad looks through discarded bags outside the memorial for Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on September 21, 2025.
A member of the bomb squad looks through discarded bags outside the memorial for Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on September 21, 2025.

Local officials said they wouldn't be surprised if more than 100,000 people gather for the memorial.

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