An estimated 200,000 people gathered on Sunday to pay tribute to Charlie Kirk, the late founder of Turning Point USA, with former President Donald Trump leading tributes and calling him “a patriot whose heart still had so much to give.”
State Farm Stadium in Arizona, with a maximum capacity of 73,000, filled to capacity within hours of opening its doors at 8 a.m. Organizers redirected thousands to the nearby Desert Diamond Arena, home of the NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes, which also hosted a capacity crowd of 20,000. Many others who had traveled from across the U.S. were turned away after spaces filled up.
The stadium carried the atmosphere of a revival, as Trump’s cabinet members, White House staff, and Kirk’s widow, Erika, reflected on his life and influence.
Trump praised Charlie Kirk, telling mourners:
“Charlie Kirk loved America with everything he had. And as we can see so clearly today, America loved Charlie Kirk. A great American hero, that’s what he is.”
He added:
“It is better to face a gunman than live your life afraid to face the truth.”
Calling him “a martyr now for America,” Trump said Kirk’s message would echo louder in death:
“On that terrible day, September 10, 2025, our greatest evangelist for American liberty became immortal. I know I speak for everyone here today when I say that none of us will ever forget Charlie Kirk, and neither now will history.”
In a deeply emotional moment, Erika Kirk — recently named CEO of Turning Point USA — offered forgiveness to her husband’s alleged killer, Tyler Robinson.
“That young man. That young man. On the cross our savior said, ‘Father forgive them for they know not what they do’ — that man, that young man, I forgive him,” she declared, bringing the crowd to its feet in tears.
“I forgive him because it was what Christ did. And what Charlie would do. The answer to hate is not hate. The answer we know from the gospel is love and always love. Love for our enemies and love for those who persecute us.”
Turning Point USA confirmed that 200,000 registered for the memorial, with police also estimating attendance at that number. Among the dignitaries present were President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Erika Kirk, who received standing ovations throughout the ceremony.
