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, 4:48 PM EDT

Charlie Kirk had 'no hate in his heart': Tucker Carlson

Tucker Carlson, who was a mentor to Charlie Kirk, said there was "no hate in his heart" and that the conservative activist was "fearless" to "his last moment."

Carlson spoke at the memorial event for Charlie Kirk being held at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
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Charlie Kirk 'brought the gospel to the country': Tucker CarlsonCarlson spoke at the memorial event for Charlie Kirk being held at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
ABCNews.com

"Any attempt to extinguish the light causes it to burn brighter, every single time. As we proceed into whatever comes next -- and clearly, something's coming next -- remember this moment," Carlson said during Kirk's memorial service.

He added that the "main thing" about Kirk was that he was "bringing the gospel to the country."

Sep 21, 2025, 4:40 PM EDT

Stephen Miller delivers heated remarks: 'We are the storm'

White House deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller delivered heated remarks, as the several Trump administration officials begin to speak at the service.

"We are the storm," Miller said.

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller speaks at a memorial for conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Sept. 21, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz.
Carlos Barria/Reuters

"They cannot imagine what they have awakened. They cannot conceive of the army that they have arisen in all of us because we stand for what is good, what is virtuous, what is noble," Miller said. "And to those trying to incite violence against us, those trying to foment hatred against us, what do you have? You have nothing. You are nothing."

"You have no idea the dragon you have awakened," Miller added. "You have no idea how determined we will be to save this civilization, to save the West, to save this republic."

The White House deputy chief of staff spoke at the memorial service called Building a Legacy, Remembering Charlie Kirk.
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Charlie Kirk's death has 'awakened a dragon': Stephen MillerThe White House deputy chief of staff spoke at the memorial service called Building a Legacy, Remembering Charlie Kirk.
ABCNews.com
Sep 21, 2025, 4:39 PM EDT

Charlie Kirk was 'all Trump': Sergio Gor

Nominee for U.S Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said Charlie Kirk "always marched forward" and was "all Trump."

Whenever President Donald Trump "had an idea," Gor said, Kirk was "always willing to make it happen."

White House Presidential Personnel Office Director Sergio Gor speaks at a memorial for conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Sept. 21, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz.
Carlos Barria/Reuters

"If you believe in America, stand up. If you believe Charlie Kirk represented the best of us, stand up," Gor said.

Sep 21, 2025, 4:29 PM EDT

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

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