The people's voice of reason
The people's voice of reason
The political world is preparing to bid farewell to Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, whose assassination on September 10 sent shockwaves across the nation. Kirk was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University, a tragedy that has sparked widespread mourning and tributes from across the political spectrum.
Turning Point USA has announced that a public memorial service will be held on Sunday, September 21, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, the home of the NFL's Arizona Cardinals. The venue, which can accommodate over 73,000 attendees for major events, is expected to be filled with supporters, dignitaries, and political allies.
📅 Funeral Details
• Date: Sunday, September 21
• Location: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
• Doors Open: 8:00 a.m. MST
• Service Begins: 11:00 a.m. MST (1:00 p.m. Eastern)
• Registration: Required in advance via Turning Point USA's official site
The service will be open to the public, though security will be tight given the expected attendance of high-profile figures.
🇺🇸 Attendees and Tributes
President Donald Trump has confirmed his attendance, calling Kirk "Great, and even Legendary," and announcing that he will posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
"The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead," said President Trump. "No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!"
Vice President JD Vance, who accompanied Kirk's casket aboard Air Force Two from Utah to Arizona, is also expected to speak at the service. Vance hosted Kirk's famous podcast: 'The Charlie Kirk Show."
Vance called Kirk a "visionary" who created a "whole social network for an entire generation of young people."
"He was a critical part of getting Donald Trump elected as president, getting me elected as vice president, and so much of our success over the last seven months is due to his efforts, his staffing, his support and his friendship," said Vance. ""I am desperate to wrap my arms around them, as we all unite to condemn political violence and the ideas that cause it... but first, first, we must tell the truth."
Other attendees include senior Republican officials, conservative media personalities, and grassroots organizers who credit Kirk with energizing youth participation in conservative politics. Speaker Mike Johnson is scheduled to lead a vigil in Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol, while Arizona State University will host a separate candlelight vigil on September 16.
Erika Kirk's Public Remarks
Kirk's widow, Erika, delivered an emotional livestream from Turning Point USA's Phoenix headquarters, standing beside the chair her husband used during podcast recordings.
"He loved America, nature, and the Chicago Cubs-but most of all, he loved his children," she said. "And he loved me. With all his heart. And he made sure I knew that every day."
"The movement my husband built will not die," vowed Erika Kirk. "It won't. I refuse to let that happen. It will become stronger. Bolder. Louder and greater than ever. My husband's mission will not end. Not even for a moment."
Erika also addressed the motive behind the assassination, stating that Kirk was targeted for preaching "a message of patriotism, faith, and God's merciful love."
The Secret Service is coordinating with local law enforcement to manage the high-profile event, which is expected to draw tens of thousands.
Kirk's legacy as a conservative organizer and media personality is likely to endure. From founding Turning Point USA in 2012 to hosting "The Charlie Kirk Show," he built a movement that extended far beyond college campuses. His funeral will not only mark the end of a life but the beginning of a new chapter for the organization he built.
(Brandon Moseley contributed to this report.)
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