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.

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Here's how the news is developing.
Sep 21, 2025, 3:26 PM EDT

Nearly every seat filled inside State Farm Stadium

Nearly every seat inside State Farm Stadium is filled for Kirk's memorial service, with tens of thousands of people having arrived well before dawn in Glendale, Ariz., to pay their respects.

The crowd is made up of people of all ages, with MAGA hats peppered throughout and red, white and blue the colors of the day.

An attendee prays at the memorial service for political activist Charlie Kirk, September 21, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

ABC News has spoken to several people in the crowd who say now more than ever, it's dialogue that is needed, not more violence.

The crowd so far has been upbeat. The day started with hours of Christian music, as many in attendance stood worshipping with hands in the air.

A person raises their arms during a memorial service for slain conservative commentator Charlie Kirk in Glendale, Arizona, September 21, 2025.
Callaghan O'hare/Reuters

-ABC News' Matt Rivers and Will Steakin

Sep 21, 2025, 3:20 PM EDT

Turning Point USA will become 'so big that it reaches' Kirk 'in heaven,' director of development says

Stacy Sheridan, the senior director of development for Turning Point USA, said staff members will continue to grow the organization, which Charlie Kirk founded, so that it will be "so big that it reaches" the conservative activist "in heaven."

"Let's get to work everybody. We have a country to save," Sheridan said at Kirk's memorial service.

Senior Advancement Director at Turning Point USA Stacy Sheridan wipes a tear as she speaks during the public memorial service for right-wing activist in Glendale, Arizona, September 21, 2025.
Caitlin O'Hara/Reuters

Kirk's widow Erika was named the new CEO and chair of the board for Turning Point USA last week.

Sep 21, 2025, 3:17 PM EDT

Turning Point USA COO: 'Now it's our turn'

Justin Streiff, the COO of Turning Point USA, said Kirk began with "nothing more than an idea and a folding table. And over 13 years of time and courage and faith, he built a movement that changed the world."

Turning Point USA COO Tyler Bowyer former chief of staff to right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, speaks during the public memorial service for right-wing activist in Glendale, Arizona, September 21, 2025.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

"Charlie reminded us that courage requires only a yes, and he said yes every single day, and now it's our turn," Streiff said.

Tyler Bowyer spoke at the memorial event for Charlie Kirk being held at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
7:10
Turning Point USA COO reflects on Charlie Kirk's legacyTyler Bowyer spoke at the memorial event for Charlie Kirk being held at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
ABCNews.com
Sep 21, 2025, 3:07 PM EDT

Charlie Kirk will receive honorary college degree, Hillsdale College president says

While speaking at Charlie Kirk's memorial, Hillsdale College President Dr. Larry Arn said that the conservative activist, who took classes at the Michigan college, will receive an honorary degree from the school.

President of Hillsdale College Larry P. Arnn speaks during the public memorial service for right-wing activist in Glendale, Arizona, September 21, 2025.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

He said Kirk "can't be replaced" and that he "deserves this reward."

Kirk has talked openly about never graduating college, and wrote a book titled "The College Scam" criticizing higher education.

Arn also announced Kirk's children, a son who turned 1 in May and a daughter who turned 3 in August, will receive college scholarships.

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