On Sunday, September 21, 2025, thousands gathered at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, to honor the life of Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA. Kirk, who was tragically assassinated on September 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University, left a lasting impact on American politics, particularly among young conservatives. This memorial service, attended by high-profile figures like President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, celebrated Kirk’s legacy of faith, patriotism, and activism. Below is a detailed look at the event, its significance, and how people can watch or attend.
1. Who Was Charlie Kirk?
Charlie Kirk was a 31-year-old conservative leader who rose to prominence as the co-founder of Turning Point USA, an organization dedicated to promoting conservative values on high school and college campuses. Kirk started the organization in 2012 at the age of 18, and it grew into a powerful political force. His work focused on engaging young voters, fighting what he called “woke” ideologies in education, and supporting the “Make America Great Again” movement.
Kirk’s influence extended beyond Turning Point USA. He hosted “The Charlie Kirk Show,” a popular podcast with millions of downloads, and wrote “The MAGA Doctrine,” a bestselling book that championed nationalism and Trump’s “America First” agenda. His activism began in his teens with a protest against rising cafeteria prices and an opinion piece for Breitbart, which launched him into the national spotlight. Kirk’s ability to connect with young conservatives made him a key figure in the 2024 election, with Trump crediting him for helping secure the victory.
2. Details of the Memorial Service
The memorial service, titled “Building a Legacy: Remembering Charlie Kirk,” took place at State Farm Stadium, home of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals. The event began at 11 a.m. Mountain Standard Time (MST), with doors opening at 8 a.m. Turning Point USA estimated that 95,000 people attended, including those in an overflow arena nearby. Attendees were encouraged to wear red, white, or blue to honor Kirk’s patriotism, and the stadium was filled with worship, hymns, and posters of Kirk, reflecting his deep faith and love for America.
The Department of Homeland Security designated the event as a Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) Level 1, indicating its national significance. Security was tight, with the Secret Service overseeing measures similar to those for Arizona Cardinals games, including a no-bag policy and magnetometer screenings. An incident the day before the memorial, where a man was arrested for impersonating law enforcement and carrying a weapon, heightened security concerns.
3. Who Spoke at the Memorial?
The memorial featured speeches from some of the most prominent figures in conservative politics, reflecting Kirk’s influence. The lineup included:
- President Donald Trump, who called the event a “tough day” and announced he would posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.
- Vice President JD Vance, who credited Kirk’s advocacy for his selection as Trump’s running mate and accompanied Kirk’s casket on Air Force Two from Utah to Arizona.
- Erika Kirk, Charlie’s widow, who has taken over as CEO of Turning Point USA and is known for her faith-based initiatives and podcast, “Midweek Rise Up.”
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller.
- Donald Trump Jr., Tucker Carlson, and U.S. Ambassador to India nominee Sergio Gor, who also paid tribute to Kirk’s legacy.
These speakers highlighted Kirk’s role in shaping modern conservatism and his personal commitment to faith and family.
4. How to Watch the Memorial Service
For those unable to attend in person, the memorial was widely accessible through live broadcasts. USA TODAY livestreamed the event starting at 2 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). Other major networks, including CBS News, CNN, Fox News, ABC News, and NewsNation, also provided live coverage. NewsNation’s coverage, hosted by Leland Vittert with correspondents Ali Bradley and Jessica Kartalija, ran from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. ET. Viewers were encouraged to check network schedules for specific streaming details.
5. Erika Kirk: Continuing the Legacy
Erika Kirk, Charlie’s wife, played a significant role in the memorial and in carrying forward his work. A Phoenix native, Erika has a background in political science and law and is deeply involved in faith-based initiatives. She founded Everyday Heroes Like You, a nonprofit, and hosts the “Midweek Rise Up” podcast, which focuses on biblical leadership. As the new CEO of Turning Point USA, Erika is expected to continue advocating for the conservative values her husband championed, particularly among young women.
6. Turning Point USA’s Mission
Turning Point USA, founded by Kirk, remains a cornerstone of conservative activism. The organization operates on hundreds of campuses, hosts conferences, and produces media to promote fiscal responsibility, free markets, and limited government. Its influence stems from its ability to mobilize young voters, a mission Kirk believed was critical to countering progressive ideologies in education. The memorial service underscored the organization’s ongoing commitment to Kirk’s vision.
7. Security and Attendance Tips
With an expected crowd of tens of thousands, attendees were advised to arrive early due to limited parking and long walks to the stadium. Glendale police recommended ride-sharing or carpooling to manage traffic. The event was open to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis, and the atmosphere was described as a blend of a political rally, worship service, and tribute, with attendees clutching Bibles and singing hymns.
8. A Lasting Legacy
Charlie Kirk’s life was marked by his unwavering commitment to conservative principles, faith, and family. His death at 31 sent shockwaves through American politics, prompting vigils nationwide and renewed discussions about political violence. The memorial service was not only a farewell but also a celebration of Kirk’s contributions to the conservative movement. As President Trump noted, Kirk was a “great man” whose legacy will endure for generations.
