Charlie Kirk memorial updates: 'I forgive him,' Erika Kirk says of alleged shooter

President Trump called Kirk "immortal" and speakers called him a "martyr."

Last Updated: September 21, 2025, 7:22 PM EDT

Charlie Kirk was remembered as a "martyr" and "warrior" by some of the leading lights of the conservative movement, the Trump administration, friends as well as his grieving widow during a packed memorial service in Arizona Sunday.

As President Trump and others noted, the service felt more like a "revival" rather than a memorial, and Kirk's connection to and efforts for his Christian faith were on full display throughout. Kirk was recalled for the movement among young conservatives that he helped spark, his willingness to debate and his fearlessness in the face of threats.

In a poignant moment, Kirk's widow, Erika said that she forgives her husband's alleged assassin.

Kirk, 31, founded Turning Point USA at age 18 and rose to become one of the most prominent conservative voices in the country. His influence, particularly with young people, helped propel Trump to office. But some of his comments on gun violence, LGBTQ issues, race and more often drew criticism from liberals and others.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
Sep 21, 2025, 2:41 PM EDT

Kirk family pastor speaks on Charlie's legacy

Pastor Rob McCoy, the Kirk family pastor, was the first speaker for Sunday's service. He said Kirk "had more lifetimes in 31 years than a lot of us had in the entirety of our own."

Pastor Rob McCoy says conservative activist Charlie Kirk referred to him as "America's pastor."
10:42
Charlie Kirk's pastor calls late activist 'my friend'Pastor Rob McCoy says conservative activist Charlie Kirk referred to him as "America's pastor."
ABCNews.com

He also said he spoke with several members of the Turning Point USA staff before stepping on stage, some of whom he said were worried they would be unsuccessful without Kirk.

"Without Charlie Kirk's presence, they pulled off the largest event in Turning Point history. Let's thank them," McCoy said, prompting a large round of applause.

According to local officials, Turning Point had more than 200,000 people register for the memorial service on their website.

"Turning Point is alive and well," McCoy said.

Pastor Rob McCoy speaks at a memorial for conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Sept. 21, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz.
John Locher/AP
Sep 21, 2025, 2:35 PM EDT

Report: Kirk’s wife urged him to take more precautions

Erika Kirk urged her husband to take more safety precautions the night before he left for the Utah where he was killed last week, according to an interview published in the New York Times ahead of his memorial service.

In the interview conducted earlier this week, Erika Kirk and a friend suggested taking measures like wearing a bulletproof vest or speaking behind bulletproof glass, which Charlie Kirk rebuffed, according to the Times.

U.S. right-wing activist and commentator Charlie Kirk appears at a Utah Valley University speaking event in Orem, Utah, U.S. September 10, 2025.
Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune via Reuters

The interview also includes more new details, including where Erika Kirk was when she was informed of the shooting, her decision to view her ’husband’s body over the recommendation of the sheriff, and some insight into her call with President Donald Trump.

-ABC News’ Olivia Rubin

Sep 21, 2025, 2:27 PM EDT

Charlie Kirk memorial service now underway

The program for Kirk's memorial service is now underway, beginning with rendition of "Amazing Grace" played on the bagpipes. Christian music singer Chris Tomlin then took the stage to perform.

Several Trump Cabinet members have arrived for the service, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Sep 21, 2025, 2:14 PM EDT

Attendees hold up red, white, blue signs ahead of memorial service

Ahead of the start of Charlie Kirk's memorial service, attendees at State Farm Stadium were seen holding up red, white and blue signs honoring the conservative activist.

Attendees hold up signs in red, white and blue ahead of the public memorial service for right-wing activist Charlie Kirk in Glendale, Arizona, September 21, 2025.
Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images

Some of the signs read "This is our turning point" and "Well done, good and faithful servant."

A woman cries as people hold up banners ahead of a memorial service for slain conservative commentator Charlie Kirk ahead of a memorial service for slain conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, in Glendale, Arizona, September 21, 2025.
Carlos Barria/Reuters

Attendees have been asked to wear red, white or blue to the service.

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