Tens of thousands of mourners packed State Farm Stadium on Sunday for the memorial service of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, where President Donald Trump turned the solemn tribute into a campaign-style rally and accused the “radical left” of responsibility for Kirk’s murder.
Calling Kirk a “martyr for American freedom,” Trump vowed to carry on the work of the 31-year-old Turning Point USA founder, who was shot and killed earlier this month during a campus event in Utah. “The violence comes largely from the left,” Trump said, offering no evidence as he dismissed threats from right-wing extremism.
The memorial, organized by Turning Point USA, blended elements of a megachurch service with a Make America Great Again rally. Christian rock performances and prayers alternated with fiery political speeches, while red, white, and blue-clad supporters filled the 63,000-seat arena under tight security.
Kirk’s widow, Erika, who has assumed leadership of Turning Point, delivered an emotional eulogy. “While Charlie died far too early, he was also ready to die. He left this world without regrets,” she said, before forgiving the 22-year-old man charged in her husband’s killing. “My husband Charlie wanted to save young men, just like the one who took his life.”
Top administration officials, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, praised Kirk as a political force who mobilized young voters and helped propel Trump to victory last year. “Our whole administration is here … because we know we wouldn’t be here without him,” Vance said.
Other speakers, such as White House adviser Stephen Miller and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, cast Kirk’s death as a rallying cry for conservatives. Miller warned opponents, “You have no idea the dragon you have awakened.”
Kirk’s killing has intensified national debate over political violence. Authorities are still investigating the suspect’s motive, with encrypted messages on bullet casings leaving open questions about ideological ties.
Civil rights groups have long criticized Kirk for incendiary rhetoric, while supporters hailed him as a defender of free speech and Christian values.
Critics warn Trump is exploiting the tragedy to inflame partisan divides. His remark that he “hates” his political opponents, contrasting Kirk’s willingness to debate with civility, underscored that point.
Kirk is survived by his wife and two young children. His supporters pledged to continue his mission, even as the nation grapples with the growing specter of political violence.
Source: Reuters
Written By Rodney Mbua
