GLENDALE, Ariz. – September 21, 2025 – In a powerful display of grief and unity, a massive crowd estimated at 90,000 people filled State Farm Stadium on Sunday to pay their final respects to Charlie Kirk, the founder of the conservative student group Turning Point USA. The memorial service, which also required an overflow area for additional mourners, was held nearly two weeks after Kirk was fatally shot during a debate event at Utah Valley University.
The atmosphere inside the stadium was described as both somber and spiritually charged, with hundreds of thousands of Americans joining together in gospel music and prayer, creating what many attendees called a profound “Christian vibe.” Kirk’s death has resonated deeply within conservative and Christian circles, with many speakers and guests noting how his passing has inspired a renewed turn toward faith across the country.
The event featured a roster of prominent conservative figures. Former President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance delivered eulogies praising Kirk’s unwavering dedication to his beliefs, his family, and his political activism. Tech billionaire Elon Musk also spoke, honoring Kirk’s legacy of free speech advocacy.
A significant moment came from Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk. In a moving eulogy that drew a sustained standing ovation, she publicly forgave the accused assassin, Tyler Robinson, calling it an act of Christian grace. Her statement was met with widespread praise from the audience and online commentators.
The memorial also served as a stage for political moments, including a public reunion between Trump and Musk. Former President Trump also used his time at the podium to tease a major upcoming White House announcement related to autism.
The service solidified Charlie Kirk’s status as a martyr-like figure for his supporters, blending political tributes with a strong undercurrent of religious revivalism that defined the day of mourning.
