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President Donald Trump was greeted with enthusiastic cheers by the crowd when he arrived at the State Farm Stadium in Arizona for Charlie Kirk’s public memorial and funeral.
More than 200,000 are believed to have turned up, but the stadium, home of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, has a maximum capacity of 73,000 for large events, plus 19,000 in a nearby overflow area.
Security for Sunday’s service in Glendale, a suburb of Phoenix, has been raised to the level typically reserved for Super Bowls, and speakers have stood behind bulletproof glass.
Trump said it would be a “tough day” as he left the White House for Arizona Sunday morning. “We’re going to celebrate the life of a great man today,” he told reporters.
Other speakers include Vice President JD Vance; Marco Rubio, Secretary of State; Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Defense; Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence; Susie Wiles, White House Chief of Staff; and Stephen Miller, Deputy Chief of Staff.
Vance said Kirk changed the course of American history with the movement her created. Miller warned the left that the “dragon” is awakened and in death, Kirk is immortalized.
Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, who has taken on leadership of Turning Point USA, is also set to address attendees.
People have mostly taken their seats ahead of the service today, which is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. local time.
Live music has started, which you can watch on our live feed below:
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Rhian Lubin21 September 2025 16:19
Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk’s widow, arrives to speak at the public memorial service for her husband (AFP via Getty Images)
A tearful Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk’s widow, has taken the stage to pay tribute to her late husband.
Erika has taken on the leadership of Turning Point USA, the organization Kirk founded.
Erika Kirk wipes away tears before giving remarks (AFP via Getty Images)
Regaining her composure, she began her remarks.
Oliver O’Connell21 September 2025 22:59
Vice President JD Vance speaks during the memorial service for political activist Charlie Kirk (Getty Images)
Vice President JD Vance is making his remarks at the memorial to his friend Charlie Kirk.
Vance has credited Kirk for supporting him since the early days of his political career.
He said in a recent interview: “I would not be the vice president of the United States were it not for Charlie Kirk.”
In his remarks at the State Farm Stadium, he said: “The evil murderer who took Charlie from us expected us to have a funeral today — and instead, my friends, we have had a revival and celebration of Charlie Kirk and of his Lord Jesus Christ.”
Vance also said: “From this desert, Charlie Kirk built a movement… and in doing so, he changed the course of American history… Charlie Kirk brought many truths in his life… But most of all, Charlie brought the truth that Jesus Christ was the King of Kings and that all truth flowed from this first and most important one.”
Oliver O’Connell21 September 2025 22:42
The men were seen on camera shaking hands Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale during speeches for the Turning Point USA founder.
Oliver O’Connell21 September 2025 22:40
In his remarks, Donald Trump Jr. said: “Last week, when I received word that Charlie, who was like a little brother to me, had been assassinated, I was truly devastated.”
He continued: “His legacy must be that when they took his life, a million more Charlies stepped up to fill the void. We are all Charlie.”
Don Jr. then led the crowd in a call and response: “I want to make sure the world hears us loud and clear. Will you surrender? Will you back down? Will you give up in fear?”
The shouted back “no” each time.
Oliver O’Connell21 September 2025 22:38
In an unexpected moment (for a memorial service), Donald Trump Jr. did an impression of his father, to much laughter from the crowd and a smile and a wave from the president.
Oliver O’Connell21 September 2025 22:34
Charlie Kirk’s widow has said she wants to let the government decide whether her husband’s accused killer will receive the death penalty, saying she does not want his blood on her “ledger.”
Oliver O’Connell21 September 2025 22:30
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. paying tribute to Charlie Kirk (AFP via Getty Images)
Health & Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said Charlie Kirk “thought that conversation was the only way to heal our country.”
“This was important, particularly important during a technological age. And we are all hooked into social rhythms,” he said.
“Social algorithms that are hacked and reptilian cause our brain to amplify impulses for tribalism and for division. He felt that the only way to overcome that biological impulse was with a spiritual fire and with developing community. And the only way to develop community was through conversation.”
Oliver O’Connell21 September 2025 22:26
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth told the crowd that Charlie Kirk had wanted to go to the United States Military Academy at West Point.
“Most people don’t know this, but Charlie Kirk wanted to go to West Point. It never happened. Obviously, his personal loss at that moment was our nation’s great gain,” he said.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth onstage during the memorial service for political activist Charlie Kirk (Getty Images)
Oliver O’Connell21 September 2025 22:22
Charlie lived what our founders envisioned freedom. The right to speak even when we disagree. Freedom. I may not agree with what you say, but I will fight to defend to the death with my very life. Your right to speak 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.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, speaking at the memorial to Charlie Kirk
Oliver O’Connell21 September 2025 22:20