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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Sep 21, 2025, 3:57 PM EDT

Activist Jack Posobiec: 'Are you ready to fight back?'

Political activist Jack Posobiec, in a powerful speech at Charlie Kirk's memorial, urged Americans to "fight back" after Kirk's death.

"For Charlie, we will continue the mission. We will end the evil disease that split us and took Charlie from us. For Charlie, Turning Point USA will last forever," Posobiec said.

Posobiec said Kirk's death was a "sacrifice" and that he will "live forever" for "all future generations of Americans."

Political activist Jack Posobiec speaks at a memorial for conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Sept. 21, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

"A century from now when they write of the two pivotal moments that led to the saving of Western civilization, they will write that the sacrifice of Charles James Kirk was the turning point," Posobiec said.

Sep 21, 2025, 3:56 PM EDT

Florida congresswoman likens Kirk to Washington, JFK, MLK

Florida Rep. Anna Paulina Luna spoke about how Kirk and his movement helped her get to Congress.

"We are all Charlie Kirk now, and his legacy has just begun," Luna said. She compared Kirk to George Washington, John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr.

Anna Paulina Luna speaks at a memorial for conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Sept. 21, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

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

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