Former US President Donald Trump on Sunday described right-wing activist Charlie Kirk as a martyr during a memorial that drew tens of thousands of people to a stadium in Arizona.
Kirk, 31, was shot dead on September 10 at a university campus in Utah, sparking widespread reactions across conservative circles in the United States.
Nearly 65,000 people gathered for the event, where Trump gave the closing speech. The crowd, dressed in red, white, and blue, chanted patriotic slogans as they listened to tributes about Kirk’s life and activism. The ceremony carried strong religious tones, with Christian rock music performed between speeches, and many in attendance speaking about Kirk as a man who lived by his Christian faith.
Several mourners shared personal stories of how Kirk’s message had shaped their lives. Some described him as a defender of Christian principles and someone who encouraged young people to return to the church. Others expressed anger at what they saw as hostility toward him for his views, linking his death to broader political and cultural divisions in the country.
Advisors close to Trump used the platform to rally supporters, vowing that Kirk’s death would fuel a stronger push to defend conservative values. The message of unity was repeated throughout the memorial, with attendees declaring that his killing would not silence the movement he helped build.
Kirk’s widow also addressed the gathering, calling for forgiveness toward the alleged shooter. Younger members of the audience, including students, echoed that spirit while also vowing to continue Kirk’s activism. Many said that his death had inspired them to carry forward his mission, believing his legacy would live on through new generations of supporters.
The memorial ended with Trump and his allies framing Kirk’s life and death as a turning point for their cause, while the crowd pledged to keep his message alive.