Erika Kirk forgives Charlie Kirk’s ‘assassin’ Tyler Robinson in powerful, tearful tribute to her late husband: Live updates

By GERMANIA RODRIGUEZ POLEO, US CHIEF REPORTER and VICTORIA CHURCHILL , US POLITICAL REPORTER and PHILLIP NIETO, US POLITICAL REPORTER

Updated: 19:48 EDT, 21 September 2025

Charlie Kirk’s widow Erika took the stage at his memorial service to deliver powerful remarks on his life and legacy, even astonishingly forgiving his alleged assassin Tyler Robinson in her moving speech.

Charlie Kirk ‘wanted to save young men just like the one who took his life,’ Erika said at her husband’s memorial on Sunday. ‘I forgive him,’ she said as the crowd erupted in applause.

‘I forgive him because it’s what Christ did. The answer to hate is not hate.’

Earlier at the service, President Donald Trump and Elon Musk put their differences aside a week after the conservative activist was shot and killed at the University of Utah campus. 

The former rivals were seen chatting in Trump’s box before the president gave Musk a friendly pat on the back — moments before the Tesla tycoon stood up and walked out.

Their complicated history boiled over in June 2025, when the pair clashed in a fiery exchange on X. Musk had posted, and then swiftly deleted, a bombshell claim that federal authorities held extra information on Trump in the Jeffrey Epstein files, even going so far as to suggest the president should be impeached.

Trump lead mourners at the funeral of Charlie Kirk, addressing tens of thousands gathered inside State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

Trump will be joined on stage by Vice President J.D. Vance and senior members of his Cabinet, with security around the stadium described as ‘extraordinarily tight.’

Follow all the live updates: 

Erika Kirk says she forgives her husband Charlie Kirk’s killer

Charlie Kirk ‘wanted to save young men just like the one who took his life,’ Erika Kirk said at her late husband’s memorial on Sunday.

She spoke of Charlie’s mission to help young angry men, and said she forgave Kirk’s suspected killer Tyler Robinson.

‘I forgive him,’ Erika said as the crowd erupted in applause.

‘I forgive him because it’s what Christ did. The answer to hate is not hate.

‘The answer we know from the gospel is love and aways love, love for our enemies.’

PICTURED: Speakers at Charlie Kirk memorial

Secretary of State Marco Rubio

Social media reacts to Erika Kirk’s powerful speech High security and a full stadium for Charlie Kirk’s memorial

Those close to Kirk prayed and the floors shook from the bass of Christian rock bands as the home of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals took on the feel of a megachurch service.

‘Charlie looked at politics as an on-ramp to Jesus,’ said the Rev. Rob McCoy, Kirk’s pastor.

People began lining up before dawn to secure a spot inside State Farm Stadium west of Phoenix, where Kirk’s Turning Point organization is based. Security was tight, similar to the Super Bowl or other high-profile event. The speakers delivered their tributes from behind bullet-proof glass.

The 63,400-seat stadium quickly filled with people dressed in red, white and blue, as organizers suggested.

Cleveland Browns hold Charlie Kirk tribute on day of slain MAGA star’s funeral in Arizona

Kirk was assassinated on September 10 while speaking with students at Utah Valley University.

On Sunday, the Browns performed their own tribute to the late MAGA star as they put a picture of him and his family on the screen before their game.

Charlie Kirk memorial in pictures Trump reveals Charlie Kirk’s last message to him before his assassination

President Donald Trump unveiled Charlie Kirk‘s last request before the conservative activist’s deadly assassination earlier this month.

During a speech honoring his late friend in Glendale, Arizona, Trump claimed that one of Kirk’s last request to Trump was for the administration to ‘save Chicago.’

President Trump and Erika Kirk close memorial together

President Trump and Erika Kirk closed the memorial as America the Beautiful played in the background.

The two embraced several times as the crowd left the stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

‘Charlie’s message has not been silenced’

President Trump said Charlie Kirk’s assassin failed ‘failed in his quest because Charlie’s message has not been silenced. It now is bigger and better and stronger than ever before.’

The Republican said the bullet that killed Kirk was ‘aimed at all of us.’

‘The gun was pointed at him, but the bullet was aimed at all of us. That bullet was aimed at every one of us,’ Trump said.

‘Charlie was killed for expressing the very ideas that virtually everyone in this arena and most other places throughout our country, deeply believed in.’

Trump addresses crowd on autism announcement he’s expected to make Monday

‘I think you’re going to find it to be amazing,’ Trump said in a detour from speaking about Charlie Kirk at his memorial.

‘I think we found an answer to autism,’ he continued. ‘I think it’s going to be one of the most important news conferences I’ll ever have, and I look so forward to it.’

Elon Musk says he and President Trump are reunited ‘for Charlie’

Trump and Musk had not been seen together since their falling out following the SpaceX founder’s departure from the White House earlier this year.

Trump jokes that he ‘hates his opponents’

President Trump joked that, unlike Charlie Kirk, he hates his opponents and does not want the best for them.

‘That’s where I disagreed with Charlie! I hate my opponent and I don’t want the best for them,’ Trump said.

‘I’m sorry, Erika,’ he added. ‘But now Erika can talk to me, and maybe they can convince me that’s not right. But I can’t STAND my opponents! Charlie’s angry, looking down, he’s angry at me now!’

Exclusive:What Trump and Elon REALLY said to each other in reunion at Charlie Kirk’s funeral

The billionaire Tesla founder shook hands with the commander-in-chief in his box inside the State Farm Arena in Glendale, Arizona, as more than 60,000 mourners said goodbye to the conservative influencer.

Trump and Musk spoke for a brief moment before Trump appeared to motion him away.

President Trump says Kirk’s killer was a ‘radicalized monster’

President Trump spoke about Charlie Kirk’s murder and called his alleged killer Tyler Robinson a ‘radicalized, cold-blooded monster.

‘He was violently killed because he spoke for freedom and justice, for God, country, for reason, and for common sense,’ Trump said of Kirk.

Trump says America ‘is in grief’

‘Today America is a nation in grief and a nation in shock, and a nation in mourning,’ the president said in his speech Sunday.

Trump said Kirk was ‘one of the brightest lights of our time and ‘our greatest evangelist for liberty.’

‘“He’s a martyr now for American freedom,’ Trump said, echoing several previous speakers.

‘None of us will ever forget Charlie Kirk. And neither now will history.’

President Trump takes the stage at Charlie Kirk memorial

President Trump took to the stage in Glendale, Arizona, as Lee Greenwood performed God Bless America at Charlie Kirk’s memorial.

Trump is expected to be the last speaker at the event.

Erika Kirk: ‘Your wife is not your servant’

Erika Kirk spoke of her late husband’s mission to help young man as she honored him during his funeral.

‘Please be a leader worth following,’ she said, addressing young men.

‘Your wife is not your servant. Your wife is not your employee. Your wife is not your slave. She is your helper. You are not rivals.

‘You are one flesh, working together for the glory of God.’

Erika Kirk says Charlie Kirk was ‘ready to die’

‘After Charlie’s assassination, we didn’t see violence. We didn’t see rioting. We didn’t see revolution,’ Erika Kirk told the audience at Charlie Kirk’s memorial.

‘Instead, we saw what my husband always prayed he would see in this country — we saw REVIVAL.’

Erika said Kirk ‘left the world without regrets’ and was ‘ready to die.’

‘There was nothing he was putting off,’ she continued.

‘There was nothing that was too hard or too painful. … Charlie died with incomplete work, but nothing that was unfinished business.’

‘Charlie didn’t suffer,’ says his widow Erika

‘There was no pain, no fear,’ Erika said of Charlie Kirk’s last moments.

‘One moment Charlie was doing what he loved, fighting for the Gospel and truth in front of a big crowd, and then he blinked and saw his Savior in paradise.’

Erika Kirk takes the stage

Charlie Kirk’s wife Erika took the stage to massive cheers on Sunday.

Wearing a white suit, Erika teared up as she saw the crowd’s reaction.

Erika said a silent prayer and mouthed ‘I love you’ before beginning her speech.

‘I bless all of you for coming here from all over the world to honor and celebrate my Charlie,’ she said.

‘I saw the wound that ended his life,’ Erika shared with the crowd of the moment she saw Kirk’s lifeless body. ‘I felt everything you would expect to feel.

‘I felt shock and a level of heart ache that I didnt even know existed.’

Erika added: ‘But there was something else too. Even in death, I could see the man that I loved. I saw the one single gray hair on the side of his head, which I never told him about. Now he knows.’

JD Vance says Kirk is a ‘martyr’

VP Vance was oen of several speakers who described Kirk as a martyr on Sunday.

‘For Charlie, we will remember that it is better to stand on our feet defending the United States of America and defending the truth than it is to die on our knees,’ Vance said.

‘My friends, for Charlie, we must remember that he is a hero to the United States of America. And he is a martyr for the Christian faith.’

Dana White sitting with President Trump at Charlie Kirk’s memorial

UFC CEO Dana White (L) speaks with U.S. President Donald Trump at the memorial service for political activist Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium.

What Trump and Elon REALLY said to each other in reunion at Charlie Kirk’s funeral

By katrina schollenberger

The billionaire Tesla founder shook hands with the commander-in-chief in his box inside the State Farm Arena in Glendale, Arizona, as more than 60,000 mourners said goodbye to the conservative influencer.

Trump and Musk spoke for a brief moment before Trump appeared to motion him away.

Mourners gather across the globe to pay tribute to Charlie Kirk

By katrina schollenberger

VP JD Vance takes the stage to huge cheers

Vance took the stage at the Charlie Kirk memorial to big cheers.

‘The evil who killed Charlie Kirk expected us to have a funeral today, but instead we had a revival,’ Vance said.

‘They tried to silence our friend Charlie Kirk…today, we speak for Charlie louder than ever.’

‘Our whole administration is here, but not just because we love Charlie as a friend, even though we did, but because we know we wouldn’t be here without him,’ Vance said.

‘Charlie built an organization that reshaped the balance of our politics.’

Don Jr gets laughs from the crowd after President Trump impression

Donald Trump Jr got big laughs from the crowd at Charlie Kirk’s memorial after doing an impression of his father.

‘I’m far more likely to…get myself in trouble for posting some grossly inappropriate memes than I am to shed a tear,’ he said.

‘I know this, because I’ve even gotten the call from that guy a couple of times.’

Don Jr went on to imitate the President, saying: ‘Don… you’re being a little controversial on social media, Don!’

After roars from the crowd, Don Jr went on to say that he was ‘devastated when Charlie died.’

RFK Jr compares Charlie Kirk to Jesus

Robert Kennedy Jr was one of several speakers Sunday to compare Charlie Kirk to Jesus Christ.

‘Christ died at 33 years old, but he changed the trajectory of history,’ the secretary of Health and Human Services said.

‘Charlie died at 31 years old because he had surrendered. He also now has changed the trajectory of history.’

PICTURED: Trump and Musk chatting at Kirk’s memorial

President Trump and his former advisor, Tesla boss Elon Musk, were spotted chatting during Charlie Kirk’s memorial.

Musk went to the greet the President in the bulletproof skybox from where he is watching the memorial.

It’s the first time in months the two are seen together following Musk’s messy exit from the White House and DOGE – The Department of Government Efficiency.

Marco Rubio jokes during speech at Kirk memorial

Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke about meeting Charlie Kirk years ago and admitted he was skeptical of his mission to speak about conservatism at college campuses.

Rubio joked that he told Kirk: ‘Why don’t you start somewhere easier, for example, Communist Cuba?’

‘Wisdom that sometimes takes a lifetime to accumulate, he had in 31 years,’ Rubio said.

FBI Director Kash Patel seen at Kirk memorial

FBI Director Kash Patel attends the memorial service for slain conservative commentator Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

PICTURED: Trump’s cabinet at Charlie Kirk’s memorial

US Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. attends the public memorial service for right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth

Secretary of State Marco Rubio

Tucker Carson takes the stage

‘This is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen,’ the right-wing pundit said of the memorial.

‘God is here and you can feel it and Charlie would have loved it.’

Carson went on to speak about the story of Jesus, relating it to Kirk’s.

He said: ‘It is about 2000 years ago in Jerusalem Jesus shows up concerts talk about the people in power he starts doing the worst thing you can do which is tell the truth about people. They hated and then just go bonkers they hate it and they become obsessed with making him stop this guy’s got to stop talking we got to shut this guy up.’

Susie Wiles credits Charlie Kirks ‘army’ of young people for Trump’s victory in teary-eyed tribute

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles said Charlie Kirk was responsible for Donald Trump winning the popular vote in 2024.

Wiles, who rarely gives public remarks on camera, claimed Kirk’s influence over young voters helped push Trump over the finish line.

At one point, Wiles nearly breaks into tears while honoring her deceased friend.

Stephen Miller’s combative speech

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller gave a fiery speech to the crowd at Charlie Kirk’s memorial where he unleased against what he refered to as the ‘organized campaign that led to this assassination.’

‘We are the ones who build, who create, who lift up humanity,’ Miller said.

‘You thought you could kill Charlie Kirk? You have made him immortal.

‘They cannot Iimagine what they have awakened. They cannot conceive of the army they have arisen in all.’

Miller went on: ‘You cannot defeat us, slow us, stop us – we will carry Charlie and Erika in our heart every single day and fight that much harder because of what you did to us.’

‘You have no idea the dragon you awakened…how determined we will be.’

Miller said the White House will ‘channel all of the anger that we have over the organized campaign that led to this assassination to uproot and dismantle these terrorist networks.’

Heartbreaking tribute video shown at Charlie Kirk memorial

The crowd at Charlie Kirk’s memorial was shown a video of the conservative’s life and work.

The video tribute featured images of Kirk with his children and widow Erika.

It also included footage of Kirk’s last speaking event at Utah Valley University, before he was shot dead.

Don Jr attends Charlie Kirk memorial with new love Betina Anderson

President Trump was accompanied on Sunday by his sons Eric and Don Jr, who attended the memorial with their partners Lara Trump and Benita Anderson.

Trump sitting behind bulletproof glass at Charlie Kirk memorial

President Trump is sitting behind bulletproof glass in the skybox at the Charlie Kirk memorial, NBC News reported.

President Trump receives cheers after arriving to Charlie Kirk memorial stadium

President Donald Trump arrived to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, to honor his deceased friend Charlie Kirk.

White House officials posted photos of Trump alongside his son, Eric Trump, sitting in the stadium.

The president recieved cheers while waving to the audience from his seat.

Elon Musk filmed sitting alone during Charlie Kirk’s powerful memorial service

By katrina schollenberger

Anna Paulina Luna credits Kirk for her Congressional career

Florida Rep. Anna Paulina Luna creditted Charlie Kirk for the success of her politiical career in Congress.

Luna noted during the memorial service that Kirk helped her move into politics by offering her a job as Turning Point’s national Hispanic outreach director.

‘There would be no Congresswoman Luna without Charlie Kirk!’

Luna went on to demand the audience honor Kirk’s legacy by speaking boldy for their conservative beliefs.

‘Will you live boldly as Charlie did? Will you live without fear as Charlie did? Will you pray with the faith that Charlie did?’

Charlie Kirk’s friend Frank Turek gives harrowing account of frantic race through traffic to get the influencer to hospital after he was shot: ‘We were giving CPR but he was with Jesus… but we had to try’

By katrina schollenberger

Christian author Frank Turek, 63, was in the car with right wing activist Charlie Kirk after he was killed during a question-and-answer session at Utah Valley University.

Speaking during an episode of his YouTube show Cross Examined, Turek recounted how he prayed for Kirk and administered him CPR in the back of the car on the way to Timpanogos Regional Hospital in Orem.

But the efforts of the Christian activist were in vain, as the 31-year-old was already with ‘Jesus’ by the time he was in the back of the SUV.

‘Charlie Kirk was literally a son to me,’ Turek said. ‘So, if your son got hit, what would you do? I got in the car – because if there was anyway I could save him, I had to do something.’

Right-wing influencer Jack Posobiec takes the stage at Kirk memorial

Jack Posobiec, a Turning Point USA contributor, told the crowd at the stadium that Charlie Kirk’s ‘sacrifice’ was the ‘Turning Point’ for ‘the saving of western civilization.’

‘We will overcome their evil,’ an emotional Posobiec continued.

‘We will never ever let them forget the name Charlie Kirk.’

‘Are you ready to fight back,’ the commentator asked the crowd, which cheered in response.

‘Then put on the full armor of God. Do it now. Now is the time. This is the place.’

Philanthropist Rebecca Dunn talks about Kirk’s fundraising abilities

Major donor for Turning Point USA, Rebecca Dunn, spoke to the crowd about her experience with Charlie Kirk, noting he was scheduled to speak at her husband’s upcoming memorial.

‘Instead I am here speaking at Charlie’s memorial,’ Dunn said as she recalled meeting Kirk a decado ago and pledging to donate $25,000 to Turning Point if Kirk could first raise the amount alone.

‘Two days later, Charlie called to say that he had raised the money… He was 20 years old, and yet he met the challenge.’

Ben Carson says Kirk ran ‘circles around people with college degrees’

Dr. Ben Carson honored Charlie Kirk’s memory by claiming the late conservative activist was smarter than the college graduates he debated.

“Some say Charlie Kirk was ignorant because he didn’t have a college degree. I’ve seen him run CIRCLES around people with college degrees!’ Carson told the Arizona audience.

Benny Johnson calls on Charlie Kirk supporters to ‘wield sword against evil’

TPUSA’s Benny Johnson honored Kirk at his memorial service by demanding his supporters become closer to their Christian faith.

Thousands of Kirk supporters stood and raised their hands when Johnson asked if Kirk helped them become closer to God.

‘That’s the power of martyrdom! Because Charlie Kirk is a martyr in true Christian tradition!’

Johnson went on to claim that Trump was saved from his assassination attempt for this political moment.

Trump says it will be a ‘tough day’

President Donald Trump and prominent members of his Make America Great Again movement were paying tribute Sunday to conservative activist Charlie Kirk, whose slaying has marked a signal moment in America’s fraught political atmosphere.

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, senior White House officials and young conservatives shaped by the 31-year-old firebrand.

‘We’re going to celebrate the life of a great man today,’ said Trump, who told reporters he was bracing for a ‘tough day’ as he left the White House for the service in Arizona.

Kirk’s Chief of Staff receives cheers for Kierkegaard quote

Charlie Kirk’s chief of staff, Mikey McCoy, recieved one of the largest cheers at his memorial service when he quoted Danish philsopher Soren Kierkegaard.

‘The tyrant dies and his rule is over; the martyr dies and his rules begins,’ McCoy said

Rep Jasmine Crockett takes to CNN to brand Charlie Kirk racist on day of his memorial

Democrat Jasmine Crockett branded murdered activist Charlie Kirk racist just hours before his memorial service began.

The firebrand sat down with CNN‘s Dana Bash Sunday morning and said the Republican was someone who frequently shared, ‘rhetoric that specifically targeted people of color’.

Bash, who spoke to US Senator Chuck Schumer just before talking to Crockett, brought up that Crockett was one of 58 Democrats who voted against a resolution honoring Kirk.

Turning Point’s senior director Stacy Sheridan honors Kirk: ‘He was my little brother’

Turning Point senior director Stacey Sheridan honored Charlie Kirk at his memorial by revealing how he helped her husband when he was sick with cancer.

Sheridan described how Kirk delivered critical medication and an oxygen machine to her husband.

‘There was no limit to how far he would go to help a friend,’ Sheridan said. ‘He did it becasue that’s what a leader does. That’s what a friend does. And that’s what a Christian is supposed to do.’

‘Charlie’s help didnt stop there. I lost my home in the Pacific Palisade fire. Charlie’s response was very clear and very direct.’

She went on to describe how Kirk welcomed Sheridan and her daughter to Arizona.

In the end, Sheridan vowed to support Kirk’s wife, Erika, the way Charlie supported her family during their time of need.

‘We’re going to make Turning Point USA so big that it reaches you in heaven.’

Trump arrives at Charlie Kirk funeral

President Trump’s motorcade was seen arriving at the Farm State Stadium for Charlie Kirk’s memorial service.

PICTURED: Mike Johnson, Jared Kushner among Air Force One Passengers

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (C) arrives in Arizona for the memorial service for political activist Charlie Kirk.

Reince Priebus, Jared Kushner and Arkansas governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders disembark from Ait Force One upon arrival in Arizona.

Trump arrives in Arizona for Charlie Kirk memorial

The President is expected to speak at Kirk’s memorial at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

Charlie Kirk to get honorary degree from Hillsdale

President of Hillsdale College in Michigan, Dr. Larry Arnn, announced an honorary degree for Charlie Kirk and his widow Erika.

‘Charlie lives on; the assassin will die,’ Arnn said to the crowd on Sunday.

Arnn also said he set up a scholarship for Kirk’s two children.

Charlie Kirk’s right-hand man takes the stage

Tyler Bowyer, Turning Point’s COO, was one of the first speakers at Kirk’s memorial.

The crowd laughed and cheered as Bowyer recalled how Charlie and wife Erika met and eventually fell in love.

Bowyer was recruiting her as a prospect to join Turning Point, but Charlie was adamant on dating her. ‘Like all things Charlie set his mind to, he accomplished,’ he said.

‘I lost an employee, but now she’s my boss’ Bowyer declared.

Turning Point is paying for most of Charlie Kirk’s memorial

The New York Times reported that Turning Point USA, the organization founded by Charlie Kirk, is picking up most of the cost for the conservative commentator’s memorial.

The cost of the event is unclear.

Fireworks on stage as National Anthem plays at Kirk memorial

Fireworks went off on stage at the State Farm Stadium after Steve Amerson perdormed the National Anthem.

Who is Charlie Kirk’s sister?

Conservative firebrand Charlie Kirk was a teen outlier growing up in the heavily Democratic, left-leaning suburbs of northern Chicago – so much so that even his younger sister Mary deserted the cause and became a left-wing Bernie Sanders fan after first supporting her older brother.

Mary Kirk, 29, who uses an alias on Facebook and keeps such a low profile that many online articles describe Charlie as an only child, was a member of the Wheeling (Illinois) Young Republicans in 2011.

That was the year before her brother and his mentor Bill Montgomery founded what would become the powerhouse Turning Point USA.

Read the full story below:

Pastor Rob McCoy opens Charlie Kirk memorial

Pastor Rob McCoy, the pastor of Godspeak Calvary Church, kicked off Kirk’s memorial by telling the crowd that ‘Turning Point is alive and well.’

McCoy is also a co-chair of TPUSA Faith.

He said Kirk called him a pastor, ‘but I called him my friend.’

‘Charlie was never afraid, because he knew his life was secure in the hand of God,’ the pastor told the crowd.

Pastor Rob McCoy speaks at a memorial for conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Sunday

RFK Jr and wife Cheryl Hines arrive at Kirk funeral PICTURED: Tucker Carlson seen at Kirk memorial

The conservative commentator was seen taking his seat at the Charlie Kirk memorial on Sunday.

Bagpipers perform Amazing Grace

Bagpipers played Amazing Grace as Charlie Kirk’s memorial got underway at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

Elon Musk arrives at Charlie Kirk funeral

Elon Musk is seen with Florida senator Rick Scott ahead of the beginning of the memorial service for Charlie Kirk.

‘Every seat in this giant arena that isn’t roped off for security is packed to the ceiling,’ Musk said on X.

‘Honored to be here. All for Charlie Kirk.’

Megyn Kelly says she’s arrived at Charlie Kirk memorial

The conservative pundit posted a message on social media as she arrived at Charlie Kirk’s memorial in Arizona on Sunday.

Air Force One lands in Arizona

President Donald Trump’s son Eric Trump shared a video of Air Force One landing in Arizona.

The president is one of the speakers expected at Charlie Kirk’s memmorial in Glendale.

He was traveling with House Speaker Mike Johnson, White House chief of staff Susie Wiles and several members of his cabinet.

Trfump’s son in law Jared Kushner was also aoard Air Force One.

PICTURED: The crowd at Arizona memorial mourns Charlie Kirk Former Fl Rep. Matt Gaetz attends Charlie Kirk memorial

Lawyer and former United States Representative Matt Gaetz reacts ahead of the public memorial service of political activist Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona

Gaetz was accompanied by his wife, Ginger Gaetz.

Inside the State Farm Stadium ahead of Charlie Kirk’s funeral service

Sounds of Christian worship fill the air at the State Farm Stadium with less than thirty minutes before the official start of the memorial service for conservative activist Charlie Kirk who was assassinated on September 10th.

The stadium is packed to the rafters, minus a few sections of seats right next to the stage.Since the official event entry time of 8:00 AM, a slew of Christian artists have performed a variety of worship songs.

Despite the scorching hot temperatures outside of the venue, inside the stadium is air-conditioned and the roof of the stadium is closed.

The floor is filled with various conservative political media and VIPS, as well as Turning Point staff and alumni who are seated on white plastic folding chairs.

Press is also seated on the floor, with the TV risers situated in the middle of the VIP section. Print press are behind the VIP section.

Charlie Kirk’s poignant question about legacy three weeks before his death Westboro Baptist Church protest Charlie Kirk’s funeral

By katrina schollenberger

Religious extremist group the Westboro Baptist Church picketed Charlie Kirk’s funeral on Sunday with repugnant signs.

One sign read ‘God sent the shooter in fury,’ while another said ‘it should be public, it should be quick, it should be televised.’

The group, known for its inflammatory protests at funerals and public events, has long drawn widespread condemnation for its hate-filled rhetoric.

500-800 secret service deployed with ballistic glass placed around podium at Charlie Kirk memorial

The service will take place at State Farm Stadium, the home of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, where Kirk’s Turning Point organization is based.

Security is expected to be tight, with a similar level of federal law enforcement presence as for the Super Bowl or other high-profile event.

With much of the presidential line of succession present inside the stadium, officials have deployed at least 500-800 Secret Service officers to help secure the area.

The Department of Homeland Security has given the memorial the highest security designation, typically reserved for Super Bowls.

FBI Director Kash Patel says agency pursuing ‘every lead to its conclusion’PICTURED: Packed stadium for Charlie Kirk’s memorial

A general view shows State Farm Stadium before the start of the public memorial service for right-wing activist Charlie Kirk in Glendale, Arizona

People gather to attend a memorial service for slain conservative commentator Charlie Kirk

Snipers seen on roofs near Charlie Kirk memorial

Kirk’s funeral has been given the highest level of security by the Department of Homeland Security – a SEAR Level 1.

The designation allowed the full range of federal law enforcement and security to support local officials.

Security personnel keep a lookout from a roof, on the day of a memorial service for slain conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.

Members of a sniper team keep a lookout, on the day of a memorial service for slain conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.

Officials report ‘a lot of medical’ emergencies’ at Charlie Kirk memorial

‘A lot of people are not prepared for the heat,’ a police officer told the New York Post.

Temperatures in Glendale are expected to reach 95 degrees on Sunday and a severe weather alert is in effect.

Charlie Kirk memorial stadium near full capacity

The State Farm Stadium is near full capacity an hour before the memorial for Charlie Kirk is set to begin on Sunday in Glendale, Arizona.

At least 200,000 people have shown up to honor the conservative commentator, 31.

Those who did not manage to get inside the stadium are being directed to the Desert Diamond Arena, an overflow location. Around 9,000 overflow attendees are expected at the location.

More than 200,000 mourners are expected to try to attend the service.

Rep Lauren Boebert present at Charlie Kirk’s funeral

Republican Representative from Colorado Lauren Boebert (R) attends the public memorial service of political activist Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium.

Kyle Rittenhouse pictured at Charlie Kirk memorial

Kyle Rittenhouse (R) poses for a photo with an attendee during the public memorial service of political activist Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on 21 September 2025.

Rittenhouse was acquitted of all charges in 2021 after testifying he acted in self-defense in the deadly Kenosha shootings that became a flashpoint in the debate over guns, vigilantism and racial injustice in the US.

Kirk was shot and killed on September 10 during a stop on his American Comeback Tour organized by Turning Point USA at Utah Valley University.

WATCH: Ilhan Omar slammed after calling for Charlie Kirk to be ‘left in the dust bin of history’

The Democrat congresswoman from Minnesota refused to apologize during a heated interview on CNN insisting she would not be ‘judged’ for rejecting tributes to Kirk.

‘What I find jarring is that there are so many people willing to excuse the most reprehensible things that he said, that they agree with that, that they’re willing to have monuments for him, that they want to create a day to honor him, and that they want to produce resolutions in the House of Congress honoring his life and legacy,’ Omar told anchor Kaitlan Collins.

VP JD Vance issues tribute for Charlie Kirk ahead of funeral

JD Vance is expected to attend the funeral on Sunday.

White House sending ‘two planeloads of staffers’ to Charlie Kirk funeral

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Fox News that the White House would be sending two planes full of staffers to Charlie Kirk’s funeral in Arizona.

‘We’re actually taking two planes full of white House staff,’ Leavitt said on Saturday.

‘That just speaks to how many people [Kirk] touched at the highest levels of our government. And he will surely be honored and remembered tomorrow.’

Charlie Kirk looked like ‘he’d died happy,’ his widow Erika says

The conservative’s widow said she met with a sheriff who gave her the option to see Charlie’s body – something he advised against because of the severe damage the bullet did to his neck.

But she said she insisted in seeing her husband one last time, and recalled telling the sheriff, ‘With all due respect, I want to see what they did to my husband.’

Once his deceased body was in front of her, Erika said she knew ‘he’d died happy.’

‘His eyes were semi-open. And he had this knowing, Mona Lisa-like half-smile. Like he’d died happy. Like Jesus rescued him. The bullet came, he blinked, and he was in heaven,’ she said, adding that she kissed him – something that she didn’t do before he left the house that morning.

WATCH: Candace Owens rages after being snubbed from Charlie Kirk memorial speaking roster

The Daily Mail asked right-wing provocateur Candace Owens on Thursday to share details of her relationship with Charlie Kirk, and whether or not she planned to attend or speak at his memorial service in Arizona on Sunday.

Owens alleged earlier this week that billionaire Bill Ackman was angered by Kirk’s souring views on Israel and that ‘threats were made,’ by Ackman weeks before Kirk’s death – a story that has triggered fierce backlash and fueled an online rumor mill of conspiracy theories, including that Israel was somehow responsible for Kirk’s death.

The rumors got so pervasive that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had to directly deny them on two separate occasion

White House pays tribute to Charlie Kirk with moving videoWho will perform at Charlie Kirk’s funeral?

Multiple Christian music artists will perform at Kirk’s memorial in Arizona on Sunday, including Brandon Lake, Chris Tomlin and Phil Wickham.

Country singer Lee Greenwood and Steve Amerson are also scheduled to perform at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale.

Lee Greenwood performs as President-elect Donald Trump arrives at a rally ahead of the 60th Presidential Inauguration, Sunday, January 29.

WATCH LIVE: Charlie Kirk’s memorial in Glendale, Arizona

How America will say farewell to Charlie Kirk: All the details

Tens of thousands of mourners are expected to turn out for a memorial service for Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium in Arizona on Sunday, with Donald Trump and Kirk’s widow among the growing lineup of political figures set to speak.

The 31-year-old right-wing commentator was shot and killed during an open-air speaking event at a college campus Utah on September 10.

His death has prompted fierce political debate around upholding free speech and the threat of political violence to American democracy.

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200,000 people expected to attend Charlie Kirk’s memorial

More than 200,000 people have registered to attend Charlie Kirk’s memorial service — far exceeding the capacity of State Farm Stadium, home to the Arizona Cardinals, which seats 63,000.

An additional 19,000 mourners will be accommodated at Desert Diamond Arena nearby, which will serve as an official overflow venue.

Hundreds of Secret Service agents have been deployed to the site, and the security has been described as ‘Super Bowl-level’.

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• Erika Kirk, Turning Point USA CEO and Charlie Kirk’s widow
• President Donald Trump
• Vice President JD Vance
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio
• White House chief of staff Susie Wiles
• Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
• Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard
• White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller
• Donald Trump Jr.
• Tucker Carlson

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President Donald Trump vowed that Charlie Kirk’s memorial in Arizona would be ‘a celebration of a great man’ as he departed the White House this morning.

Speaking solemnly, Trump said the service would also be a ‘time of healing’ for a movement left reeling by Kirk’s assassination.

‘That something like this could have happened is not even believable,’ he told reporters. ‘It will be a very interesting day — a very tough day.’

When asked what message he had for Kirk’s family, Trump’s voice softened: ‘I will just give them my love. There’s nothing much you can say.’

The president hailed Kirk’s legacy, describing how the 31-year-old conservative leader ‘had a hold on youth because they loved him, they respected him.’ The service, he added, will shine a light on Kirk’s ‘tremendous influence… for such a young man, he did a great job.’

Steve Bannon arrives for Charlie Kirk’s memorial service Traffic at a standstill outside the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, ArizonaDrone footage shows enormous crowds outside Charlie Kirk memorial service Thousands line up for Charlie Kirk’s funeral

Thousands of mourners lined up in the early hours of Sunday morning for the funeral of Charlie Kirk in Glendale, Arizona.

Most of the attendees were wearing red, white and blue as they snaked around the State Farm Stadium.

Security was extremely tight, with President Donald Trump and members of the Cabinet scheduled to speak.

Erika Kirk takes the stage at Charlie Kirk memorial

Kirk’s widow Erika took to the stage at the State Farm Stadium to massive cheers.

Wearing a white pant suit, she prayed silently as she took her place behind the podium.

Erika mouthed ‘I love you’ before beginning her speech.

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