PHOENIX – People who couldn’t make it into the stadium paid their respects at Turning Point USA headquarters in Phoenix on the morning of Sept. 21.
What we know:
Thousands upon thousands of American flags, balloons, letters, Bible quotes, and drawings were carefully placed outside Turning Point USA’s headquarters in Phoenix, less than 40 miles away from Charlie Kirk’s memorial service this morning at State Farm Stadium.
What they’re saying:
“Charlie Kirk is an amazing person, he really touched a lot of people’s hearts worldwide,” Ty Smith said.
“Charlie Kirk was not just a great man, he was an American icon that brought free speech among the youth, and helped people have open debate,” said Weston Olewiler. “His voice, his sense of ability to speak in such an engaging way that’s not malicious toward anyone.”
Many families brought their children out with roses in hand.
When asked what she thought about seeing the memorial, Koa said, “I think he was a good man, good husband, good dad.”
When asked what she dropped off, Koa said, “I dropped off a rose and a ribbon.”
The backstory:
This family went to one of Charlie Kirk’s speaking events in the valley last year, where they say, they were inspired.
“It was amazing, he was unbelievable, his power, he just had an aura about him. He’ll be missed for sure,” a family member said. “We went up to Butler, paid respects this morning where he’s going to be buried, doing it for this little guy and our future.”
Big picture view:
This memorial site continued to grow with mourners now leaving some personal items, including Kirk’s well-known Starbucks order, Mint Majesty Tea, and blueberries, a favorite snack of his two children, left behind.
While there may still be division in this world, many here say this display is a sign that there is still a whole lot of good.
“I would just like to see us meet in the middle, still have our talks like this, not be punished for speaking out. I feel like that’s the most awful thing about it,” a mourner said. “And coming out here, it’s beautiful. This just shows that there’s great people in this world, it’s wonderful.”
The Source: This information was gathered by FOX 10’s Irene Snyder, who spoke with supporters paying their respects on Sept. 21.