Charlie Kirk Memorial: A Meaningful Farewell at State Farm Stadium

Close to 100,000 Mourners Gather in Arizona, Millions More Watch Online

Our afternoon columns are typically for our paid subscribers, but this column is being made available to all subscribers as we collectively mourn for the loss of Charlie Kirk. There will be something “extra” for paid subscribers at the end of the column.

⏱ 5 minute read

A movement mourns its fallen leader with faith, politics, and determination

As a conservative analyst glued to the livestream from State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, the Charlie Kirk Memorial Service was emotionally devastating, blending profound sadness with unyielding determination. Nearly 100,000 people filled the arena and overflow spaces, while millions more joined online, turning a somber occasion into a powerful rally of faith and resolve. Charlie, the 31-year-old Turning Point USA founder, deserved nothing less.

The service opened with hymns from leading Christian artists, highlighted by a soaring performance of The Blessing. Tears flowed, hands rose, and Charlie’s devotion to Christ was unmistakable. A video montage followed—his campus speeches, his humor, his smile—reminding all of the reach of his short but impactful life.

Spiritual Foundations and Opening Remarks

Pastor Rob McCoy, co-chair of Turning Point Faith and Charlie’s longtime spiritual shepherd at Godspeak Calvary Chapel, opened the tributes. McCoy, a personal friend of mine who once helped lead along with Dennis Prager a Holy Land trip I attended, set the tone with both grief and Gospel.

“Charlie looked at politics as an on-ramp to Jesus,” he said, his voice breaking. “If he could get you rowing in the streams of liberty, you’d find its source—the Lord.” McCoy praised Turning Point’s staff for pulling off the largest event in the organization’s history without Charlie, declaring, “Turning Point is alive and well.” Then he preached directly to the crowd, inviting anyone ready to follow Jesus to stand. Hundreds did, making the event feel like a spiritual renewal as much as a farewell.

This column is more about the memorial ceremony, but I have written something more heartfelt about Charlie’s assassination here, and spoke to CNN about it here.

Political Leaders Pay Tribute

The eulogies quickly energized the audience. Vice President JD Vance, a generational peer (well pretty close), recalled campus battles and slammed progressive enforcers. “Charlie didn’t just fight—he flipped the script on the elites,” Vance said to thunderous applause.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio credited Kirk’s organizing with helping turn Florida red. “He showed us how to win hearts and ballots,” Rubio said, his voice catching. He mentioned that he had just heard from Charlie right before he passed. Charlie had been traveling in Asia and had some observations he told Rubio he wanted to share. That he never did get to impart.

Then came the headline moment: President Donald J. Trump. Amid chants of “USA! USA!” he declared, “Charlie was the greatest young conservative since Reagan—a fierce fighter against government bureaucracy.” Trump credited Kirk with mobilizing the youth surge that sealed the 2024 victory. “They silenced his voice, but not his fire. We’re charging ahead—for Charlie!” The crowd roared in agreement.

Erika Kirk’s Grace

The most moving moment belonged to Erika Kirk. Poised but visibly broken, she forgave her husband’s killer outright.

“I release you in Jesus’ name—not because you deserve it, but because that’s the radical love Charlie lived,” she said. The crowd rose in a standing ovation, stunned by her mercy. It was a moment of divine grace that eclipsed the anger many carried into the stadium.

After the President spoke he invited Erika out to the podium where he consoled her with a hug, that moved everyone in the Arena.

Many Notables Payed Tribute to Charlie

Other tributes underscored the breadth of Charlie’s reach. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth vowed to defend the freedoms Kirk championed, while Tucker Carlson expressed sorrow for his friend and skewered media double standards with his characteristic wit. Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna credited Kirk as a mentor in truth-telling and sharing that but for Charlie she would not be in Congress, and Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. joined Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard in praising his rebellious spirit and ability to bridge divides. Former Housing Secretary Dr. Ben Carson spoke about the influence Kirk’s principles would have on future generations, while Hillsdale College President Larry Arnn announced that the college would award him a posthumous honorary degree. From the stands, Elon Musk symbolized the growing partnerships between conservatives and technology, while White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles pointed to Kirk’s grassroots organizing as central to recent election victories. Donald Trump, Jr., gave fiery remarks (perhaps the most partisan of the bunch except for his dad!). Leaders of Turning Point USA offered some of the most heartfelt moments, speaking less about politics than about Charlie’s faith, his example as a friend and mentor, and the personal impact he had on their lives.

Closing With Faith and Resolve

The service ended with the timeless strains of Amazing Grace. As voices echoed across the stadium, it was clear the memorial was more than remembrance—it was commitment.

Charlie’s death, though tragic, has become a spark for renewed activism. As President Trump put it, “They tried to take him out, but look at this crowd! Charlie’s death isn’t the end; it’s the trigger for massive change. We’re more united, more determined than ever.”

That sentiment carried into the night. The grief was real, but so was the resolve. From pastors to presidents, from family to millions online, the message was unmistakable: Charlie Kirk’s legacy will not fade—it will multiply.

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Below the firewall, for our premium subscribers, I have taken the liberty of curating some of the speeches that moved me the most or were the most interesting, imbedding YouTube videos. Unless you watched it, I think you will really enjoy having a string of my picks below where you can just hit the play button…

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