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.
Remembrance video highlights Kirk's legacy, last moments at UVU
A remembrance video of Kirk showed footage of him and his family, as well as his work with Turning Point USA. It was narrated by his wife, Erika, and featured previous remarks from Vice President JD Vance and President Donald Trump.
The video also showed footage from Kirk's campus event at Utah Valley University, including the crowd chanting "Charlie Kirk" and Kirk sitting down inside the tent where he was fatally shot.
People embrace during a memorial service for slain conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, in Glendale, Arizona, September 21, 2025.
Brian Snyder/Reuters
Sep 21, 2025, 4:24 PM EDT
Patel says FBI investigating 'possibility of accomplices' in Kirk shooting
During Charlie Kirk's memorial service, FBI Director Kash Patel posted an update on the investigation of Kirk's assassination, saying the FBI is "pursuing every lead."
Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested and charged with Kirk's murder, but Patel said the FBI is looking into the "possibility of accomplices."
Tyler James Robinson attends a virtual court hearing from Utah County Jail, September 16, 2025 in Spanish Fork, Utah.
Utah State Courts via Getty Images
"We are meticulously investigating theories and questions, including the location from where the shot was taken, the possibility of accomplices, the text message confession and related conversations, Discord chats, the angle of the shot and bullet impact, how the weapon was transported, hand gestures observed as potential 'signals' near Charlie at the time of his assassination, and visitors to the alleged shooter's residence in the hours and days leading up to September 10, 2025," Patel said in a post on X.
"The entire FBI mourns the loss of Charlie Kirk. We will not rest until justice is served, and our investigation into this assassination will continue until every question is answered," Patel said.
Robinson was charged with numerous offenses, including aggravated murder, with prosecutors last week announcing their intent to seek the death penalty.
Sep 21, 2025, 4:04 PM EDT
President Trump seated inside stadium behind bulletproof glass
President Trump is now seated inside State Farm Stadium. The president is sitting in a suite behind bulletproof glass with Eric Trump, White House deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles.
Many members of Trump's Cabinet are seated in the front row.
Margo Martin, special assistant to the president, posted a photograph to X of Trump watching the service.
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.
