More than 100,000 attendees are expected to gather at Arizona’s State Farm Stadium in Glendale for the memorial service for Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, who was assassinated earlier this month. The event, which begins at 11 a.m. local time, will include tributes from Republican political leaders, including President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, as well as Kirk’s family members and close allies. The gathering will serve as both a moment of mourning for Kirk and a declaration of continued support for his political movement.
Kirk, who was killed during an outdoor event at Utah Valley University on September 10, was a prominent conservative voice and a key figure in the movement to energize young conservatives. His assassination has triggered an outpouring of support, with the organization he founded reporting a significant surge in new chapter requests from college campuses across the country. Kirk’s widow, Erika, will address the audience, vowing to continue her husband’s mission and to ensure that his legacy endures.
Kirk’s rise from a college drop-out to a formidable political figure marked a defining moment for modern conservative youth politics. He built Turning Point USA into a political powerhouse, with its revenue soaring from $2 million in 2015 to over $85 million in 2024, according to public records. The organization now includes its political action arm, which adds to its financial success. His death has sparked a wave of interest in the movement, with thousands seeking to establish new chapters of Turning Point USA in the wake of his passing.
American politics has been deeply impacted by Kirk’s leadership, and leaders across the Republican Party are expected to acknowledge his contributions at the memorial. The event is anticipated to be a powerful symbol of the movement’s resilience and determination to carry his vision forward. As the memorial service proceeds, the nation will reflect on the profound loss of a young leader who shaped the political landscape of his generation.