President Trump called Kirk "immortal" and speakers called him a "martyr."
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.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said Charlie Kirk waged war "not with a weapon" but with a "microphone, his mind and the truth."
He described the conservative activist as a "warrior" who had the "Biblical heart of a soldier."
Hegseth urged those listening to "live worthy of Charlie Kirk's sacrifice."
Marco Rubio said Kirk had wisdom that 'takes a lifetime to accumulate'
Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized Charlie Kirk's intelligence and said he had wisdom that "takes a lifetime to accumulate."
"He made a difference, he mattered," Rubio said.
Rubio added that Kirk had a "tremendous impact on young Americans" and led a movement that was "broader" and "deeper" than just politics.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard reiterated a message heard from several speakers today, which is that Kirk's "voice is now louder than ever."
"Free speech is the foundation of our democratic republic. We must protect it at all costs, because without it, we'll be lost. Charlie knew this. He lived it," Gabbard said.
Tucker Carlson, who was a mentor to Charlie Kirk, said there was "no hate in his heart" and that the conservative activist was "fearless" to "his last moment."
"Any attempt to extinguish the light causes it to burn brighter, every single time. As we proceed into whatever comes next -- and clearly, something's coming next -- remember this moment," Carlson said during Kirk's memorial service.
He added that the "main thing" about Kirk was that he was "bringing the gospel to the country."
