President Trump called Kirk "immortal" and speakers called him a "martyr."
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.
At the end of his remarks, President Trump called on Erika Kirk to return to the stage.
The two hugged, then stood together as the crowd cheered and the program came to an end.
President Donald Trump said Charlie Kirk was someone who had a "good heart" and the "will to fight, fight, fight."
"Fight, fight, fight" became a rallying cry for Trump supporters after an attempted assassination attempt on him in July 2024.
While speaking at Charlie Kirk's memorial, President Donald Trump said violence comes "largely from the left."
Trump said Kirk talked to him about his previous death threats, but told Trump he "knew the risks" but would "never back down."
President Trump, in his remarks about Charlie Kirk, strayed from talking about the conservative activist at times, speaking at length about his own administration.
Trump discussed a forthcoming announcement about autism, which he said is going to be "one of the most important news conferences I'll ever have." He also touted his tariff policy and again aired grievances about the 2020 election.
