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, 5:08 PM EDT

Trump sits with Elon Musk at memorial service

President Trump and Elon Musk are sitting together now at Charlie Kirk's memorial service, inside the suite where the president and other officials are watching the program from behind bulletproof glass.

President Donald Trump and Elon Musk sit together at a memorial for Charlie Kirk, Sept. 21, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz.
Ross D. Franklin/AP

Trump and Musk were close allies for the first six months of his second term, with Musk serving as a special government employee and overseeing the Department of Government Efficiency. But the two had a public fallout in June, which included a feud on social media as Musk criticized Trump's sweeping domestic agenda bill.

President Donald Trump and Elon Musk sit together at a memorial for Charlie Kirk, Sept. 21, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz.
Ross D. Franklin/AP
Sep 21, 2025, 5:07 PM EDT

Marco Rubio said Kirk had wisdom that 'takes a lifetime'

Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized Charlie Kirk's intelligence and said he had wisdom that "takes a lifetime to accumulate."

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke at the memorial service called Building a Legacy, Remembering Charlie Kirk.
7:18
Marco Rubio memorializes Charlie Kirk at Arizona eventU.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke at the memorial service called Building a Legacy, Remembering Charlie Kirk.
ABCNews.com

"He made a difference, he mattered," Rubio said.

Rubio added that Kirk had a "tremendous impact on young Americans" and led a movement that was "broader" and "deeper" than just politics.

Sep 21, 2025, 5:01 PM EDT

Tulsi Gabbard says free speech must be protected

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard reiterated a message heard from several speakers today, which is that Kirk's "voice is now louder than ever."

"Free speech is the foundation of our democratic republic. We must protect it at all costs, because without it, we'll be lost. Charlie knew this. He lived it," Gabbard said.

The director of national intelligence spoke at the memorial event for Charlie Kirk at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
7:09
Charlie Kirk remembered as 'warrior for truth and for freedom' by Tulsi GabbardThe director of national intelligence spoke at the memorial event for Charlie Kirk at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
ABCNews.com
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.
6:15
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."

Related Topics

Sponsored Content by Taboola