Tens of thousands of mourners flooded State Farm Stadium on Sunday, September 21, 2025, to honor Charlie Kirk’s memorial.
Charlie Kirk’s memorial comes 11 days after he was fatally shot in the neck.
The massive gathering – described by organizers as Turning Point USA’s largest event ever – saw the attendance of United States President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
Kirk, 31, co-founder and CEO of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), was fatally shot on September 10 during a campus tour stop at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
Authorities charged 22-year-old Tyler Robinson with capital murder, alleging the attack was a targeted act of political violence.
The incident, which unfolded before a crowd of 3,000 students, reignited national debates on free speech, extremism, and the safety of public figures.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that by sunrise, lines snaked for miles outside the 73,000-seat stadium, home to the Arizona Cardinals.
Attendees, many of whom were harmed with placards that read “Never Surrender”, received red rubber bracelets emblazoned with “We Are Charlie Kirk” – a rallying cry that echoed Kirk’s calls for bold conservatism.
The service, titled “Building a Legacy: Remembering Charlie Kirk,” kicked off at 11 a.m. MT with worship music that drew a spontaneous standing ovation from the packed crowd.
Charlie Kirk’s memorial program also featured tributes rendering from many prominent individuals across the U.S.
Andrew Kolvet, executive producer of “The Charlie Kirk Show,” spoke about his late boss’s tireless work ethic, noting how it shaped both the program and the movement surrounding it.
Kolvet said Charlie Kirk, personally answered every email, demonstrating his dedication to followers. He vowed to keep the popular program running.
“For all the fans of ‘The Charlie Kirk Show’, we will see you Monday,” Kolvet said. “Until then, buckle up, here we go,” he added.
Also speaking at Charlie Kirk’s memorial, a former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and renowned Neurosurgeon, Ben Carson, honored the late activist’s intellect and faith.
He remembered Kirk as a friend and partner, rejecting criticism that he was “ignorant” without a college degree and instead praising his sharp mind and commitment to Judeo-Christian values.
“For many decades, people have tried to fundamentally change who we are,” Carson said, citing Cleon Skousen’s 1950s book “The Naked Communist,” which warned of Marxist efforts to infiltrate schools and teacher unions to indoctrinate young people. He pointed to a radical leftist who once said, “Give me your children to teach for four years, and the seed I sow will never be uprooted.”
In his closing remarks, Carson read John 12:24, noting that Kirk was shot at 12:24 p.m.
“‘Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone. But if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.’”
Similarly, Pastor Rob McCoy, a co-chair of Turning Point Faith in California opened up Charlie Kirk’s memorial service on Sunday.
“Charlie Kirk did in 31 years on this earth … had more lifetimes in 31 years, and all of us have in the entirety of our own,” said McCoy in his speech.
He said that while chatting with TPUSA staffers, he perceived there was a worry that Turning Point would not be as successful without its leader.
“I looked at every one of them,” said McCoy. “And for those of you who are negative — without Charlie Kirk’s presence, they pulled off the largest event in Turning Point history.”
“Charlie knew … at an early age … he entrusted his life to the Savior of the World. Jesus came to this earth, was tempted in all ways, yet was without sin, was crucified upon the cross,” he said.
“His blood was poured out because blood must be shed for the remission of sins,” said McCoy.
“And his death upon that cross was sufficient for all the world’s sins, but only efficient for those who, like Charlie, would receive him as their Savior.”
