On September 21, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, Erica Kirk appeared alongside US President Donald Trump during a memorial service for her late husband, Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist.
During the five-hour ceremony, which included Vice President J.D. Vance and other cabinet members, Trump expressed his sorrow over the loss of Kirk, stating, “America loved Charlie Kirk.” He described bidding farewell to a patriot as a painful and unimaginable task.
Trump characterized the gunman who took Kirk’s life as a “radical, cold-blooded monster.” He credited Kirk’s activism for influencing his decision to select Vance as his vice president. Throughout his remarks, Trump also plugged his anti-crime initiative and seemed to critique comments from the so-called left, and hinted at future announcements related to autism.
Vance reflected on his friendship with Charlie Kirk, asserting that Kirk’s outreach was pivotal in shifting the American political landscape towards conservatism. He recalled experiencing “the worst part of humanity” in the social media backlash following Kirk’s death.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegses shared memories of his first encounter with Kirk a decade ago, recalling the motto of Turning Point USA, which Kirk co-founded: “large government sucks.” Stephen Miller, a White House policy director, remarked that Kirk’s dedication would ultimately defeat darkness and evil, and added, “You thought you could kill Charlie Kirk; you made him immortal.”
In her heartfelt address, Erica Kirk expressed her forgiveness for the shooter, citing her husband’s values and emphasizing that love, not hate, is the answer to animosity.
As the ceremony progressed, Trump humorously apologized to Erica for his own feelings toward adversaries, contrasting her compassion with his approach. The service attracted more than 60,000 attendees and featured various speakers and musical performances, showcasing Kirk’s influence in conservative circles.
Kirk was fatally shot while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University on September 10, just days prior to the ceremony. The shooter, Tyler Robinson, faces multiple charges, including aggravated murder, and is believed to have harbored disturbing thoughts prior to the incident.
Speakers at the memorial hailed Kirk as a pivotal figure in the conservative movement and even referred to him as a “martist” of Christianity. Some attendees expressed gratitude for his role in their political journeys, underlining his impact on younger generations.
Trump ordered flags at half-mast in memory of Kirk, marking the somber tone of the event. Kirk, born in 1993, was instrumental in mobilizing conservative youth through Turning Point USA, which has been active in highlighting controversial professors on college campuses.
Through various platforms, including his podcast, “The Charlie Kirk Show,” he gained a significant following and addressed pressing political issues, extending his influence well beyond the United States.
