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, 6:57 PM EDT

Trump says he differs with Kirk on treatment of foes: 'I hate my opponent'

President Trump, in his remarks, said he differs with Charlie Kirk on one point.

"He was a missionary with a noble spirit and a great, great purpose. He did not hate his opponents. He wanted the best for them. That's where I disagree with Charlie. I hate my opponent and I don't want the best for them," Trump said.

President Donald Trump speaks during the public memorial service for right-wing activist Charlie Kirk in Glendale, Arizona, September 21, 2025.
Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images

"I'm sorry, I am sorry, Erika. But now Erika can talk to me and the whole group, and maybe they can convince me that that's not right, but I can't stand my opponent," the president continued.

Sep 21, 2025, 6:38 PM EDT

Trump calls Charlie Kirk 'a martyr now for American freedom'

"On that terrible day, September 10, 2025, our greatest evangelist for American liberty became immortal," Trump said in his remarks. He's a martyr now for American freedom."

I know I speak for everyone here today when I say that none of us will ever forget Charlie Kirk, and neither now will history," Trump said.

Sep 21, 2025, 6:31 PM EDT

President Donald Trump takes the stage

President Donald Trump takes the stage as he begins addressing thousands of people at Charlie Kirk's memorial service.

President Donald Trump arrives on stage during the public memorial service for right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, in Glendale, Arizona, September 21, 2025.
Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images

"Today, America is a nation in grief, a nation in shock and a nation in mourning," Trump said as he began his remarks at the memorial service.

Sep 21, 2025, 6:27 PM EDT

Erika Kirk speaks on taking over Turning Point USA

Erika Kirk said taking over Turning Point USA is not something she takes lightly, after being elected earlier this week to replace her husband as CEO.

"Charlie and I were united with purpose. His passion was my passion, and now this mission is my mission," she said.

Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk's widow speaks during the public memorial service for right-wing activist Charlie Kirk in Glendale, Arizona, September 21, 2025.
Carlos Barria/Reuters

She said campus events will continue, stressing the need for debate and the importance of the First Amendment.

"No assassin will ever stop us from standing up to defend those rights ever because when you stop the conversation, when you stop the dialogue, this is what happens. When we lose the ability and the willingness to communicate, we get violence," she said.

Related Topics

Sponsored Content by Taboola