Charlie Kirk memorial updates: 'I forgive him,' Erika Kirk says of alleged shooter
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.
Key Headlines
Benny Johnson calls Kirk a 'martyr'
"Charlie Kirk is now a martyr. His power will only grow," conservative commentator Benny Johnson said in spirited remarks.
"Evil thought there'd be a funeral today, God has created a revival right here in this house right now," Johnson said.
Trump motorcade arrives at State Farm Stadium
President Trump's motorcade arrived on site at State Farm Stadium at 12:15 pm local time, or 3:15 pm ET, according to the White House press pool.
Trump is set to deliver remarks, as are many of his administration officials.
Nearly every seat filled inside State Farm Stadium
Nearly every seat inside State Farm Stadium is filled for Kirk's memorial service, with tens of thousands of people having arrived well before dawn in Glendale, Ariz., to pay their respects.
The crowd is made up of people of all ages, with MAGA hats peppered throughout and red, white and blue the colors of the day.
ABC News has spoken to several people in the crowd who say now more than ever, it's dialogue that is needed, not more violence.
The crowd so far has been upbeat. The day started with hours of Christian music, as many in attendance stood worshipping with hands in the air.
-ABC News' Matt Rivers and Will Steakin
Turning Point USA will become 'so big that it reaches' Kirk 'in heaven,' director of development says
Stacy Sheridan, the senior director of development for Turning Point USA, said staff members will continue to grow the organization, which Charlie Kirk founded, so that it will be "so big that it reaches" the conservative activist "in heaven."
"Let's get to work everybody. We have a country to save," Sheridan said at Kirk's memorial service.
Kirk's widow Erika was named the new CEO and chair of the board for Turning Point USA last week.