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, 3:45 PM EDT

'Much fruit is going to be realized' after Kirk's 'sacrifice,' Ben Carson says

Dr. Ben Carson, the former U.S. secretary of Housing and Urban Development, thanked Charlie Kirk "for his sacrifice," saying that after the conservative activist's death, "much fruit is going to be realized."

Former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson speaks at a memorial for conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Sept. 21, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz.
Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images

Carson, who urged the youth of the nation to "stand up for what you believe in," received a standing ovation after his remarks at Kirk's memorial service.

Sep 21, 2025, 3:44 PM EDT

Benny Johnson calls Kirk a 'martyr'

"Charlie Kirk is now a martyr. His power will only grow," conservative commentator Benny Johnson said in spirited remarks.

"Evil thought there'd be a funeral today, God has created a revival right here in this house right now," Johnson said.

Benny Johnson speaks at a memorial for conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Sept. 21, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz.
Daniel Cole/Reuters

Sep 21, 2025, 3:25 PM EDT

Trump motorcade arrives at State Farm Stadium

President Trump's motorcade arrived on site at State Farm Stadium at 12:15 pm local time, or 3:15 pm ET, according to the White House press pool.

Trump is set to deliver remarks, as are many of his administration officials.

President Donald Trump speaks as he arrives in Arizona to attend a memorial service for slain conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, September 21, 2025.
Brian Snyder/Reuters

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

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