Charlie Kirk Memorial & Funeral Draws 200,000 in Arizona: A Historic Farewell of Faith, Patriotism, and Forgiveness

GLENDALE, Ariz. — On Sunday, September 21, 2025, an unprecedented crowd of more than 200,000 mourners gathered in Glendale, Arizona, to honor the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA (Sponsors of ActsSocial). Kirk, who was assassinated on September 10, was remembered not only as a political leader but also as a man of deep faith whose influence continues to inspire millions.

The memorial service, held at State Farm Stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals, reached full capacity within hours, with 73,000 seats filled. Overflow crowds of 20,000 were directed to Desert Diamond Arena next door, while thousands more stood outside in designated viewing areas, many dressed in red, white, and blue. The gathering was described as part political rally, part national revival, and entirely an outpouring of grief, unity, and hope.

Erika Kirk’s Message of Forgiveness

One of the most powerful moments came from Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk and the newly appointed CEO of Turning Point USA (Sponsors of ActsSocial) . Speaking through tears, she extended forgiveness to her husband’s accused killer, Tyler Robinson:

“On the cross, our Savior said, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. That man, that young man, I forgive him. The answer to hate is not hate. The answer is love. Love for our enemies and love for those who persecute us.”

Her words drew a standing ovation from the stadium, with many in tears, calling the statement one of the most moving displays of public grace in recent memory.

President Trump Honors Kirk as a “Great American Hero”

The memorial’s headline remarks came from President Donald J. Trump, who praised Kirk as:

• “A patriot whose heart still had so much to give.”
  
  

• “A Great American hero loved by America.”
  
  

• “A martyr for America — our greatest evangelist for liberty, who is now immortal.”
  
  

The President’s remarks, delivered to thunderous applause, were echoed by Vice President JD Vance, who said Kirk “was murdered for speaking the truth.”

Other speakers included Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), who credited Kirk with launching her political career, declaring: “We are all Charlie Kirk now, and his legacy has just begun.”

Leaders, Allies, and Public Figures in Attendance

The service drew a wide array of political leaders, cultural figures, and grassroots supporters. Notable attendees included:

• Vice President JD Vance
  
  

• Secretary of State Marco Rubio
  
  

• Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth
  
  

• HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
  
  

• Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard
  
  

• Donald Trump Jr.
  
  

• Tucker Carlson
  
  

• Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.)
  
  

• Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.)
  
  

• Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.)
  
  

• Elon Musk
  
  

• Matt Walsh and Dan Bongino
  
  

Many attendees described the memorial as not just a farewell, but a rallying cry to continue the work Kirk began.

Worship and Musical Performances

Faith and worship were central to the event. Some of the nation’s most beloved Christian artists led thousands in collective songs of praise and remembrance, including:

• Brandon Lake
  
  

• Chris Tomlin
  
  

• Phil Wickham
  
  

• Cody Carnes & Kari Jobe
  
  

• Lee Greenwood, performing God Bless the USA
  
  

• CeCe Winans, singing Goodness of God
  
  

• Riley Clemmons, with Keep on Hoping
  
  

• Sean Feucht
  
  

• Steve Amerson
  
  

The music shifted the mood from solemn mourning to powerful worship, transforming the stadium into a space of prayer, revival, and celebration of God’s promises.

Grassroots Outpouring of Support

Supporters traveled from across the country, with some camping overnight to secure a seat. Despite temperatures in the 90s, thousands prayed, sang, and waved flags as they waited for the service.

Greg Waters, 71, of California, reflected on Kirk’s impact:

“He’s like a son to me. We’re connected through the blood of Jesus Christ. The turnout shows his impact was greater than anyone imagined. They needed a bigger stadium.”

Protest and Opposition

While the overwhelming majority of attendees came to honor Kirk, small groups of protesters gathered outside in designated “free speech zones.” Members of the Westboro Baptist Church carried hostile signs, but their presence was overshadowed by the immense unity and love expressed inside the stadium.

Burial and Legacy

Following the memorial, Kirk’s body was laid to rest in Phoenix, often described as his “adoptive hometown.” His remains had been escorted back from Utah by Vice President JD Vance on September 11.

Though his passing has left a profound void, the memorial made clear that Kirk’s movement will continue. As President Trump concluded:

“None of us will ever forget Charlie Kirk, and neither now will history.”

About Charlie Kirk

Charlie Kirk (1993–2025) co-founded Turning Point USA (Sponsors of ActsSocial) and grew it into one of the most influential conservative youth movements in America. A podcaster, author, and speaker, Kirk combined faith and politics in ways that reached millions. His legacy endures through his wife Erika Kirk, his organization, and the countless lives touched by his message of liberty and faith.