Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., delivered a heartfelt tribute to Charlie Kirk at his memorial service, crediting the late Turning Point USA founder with launching her political career. Speaking at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, Luna reflected on her time working alongside Kirk and the transformative impact of his mentorship. She described the pivotal moment when Kirk offered her a position as Texas National Hispanic Outreach director, a decision that marked a turning point in her life.
Luna emphasized how Kirk’s vision inspired her to leave medical school and join TPUSA, where she became a key figure in the organization’s strategy to counter what she described as socialist indoctrination on college campuses. She drew parallels between Kirk’s leadership and historical figures such as George Washington, Martin Luther King Jr., and John F. Kennedy, stating that his name would be remembered as an enduring symbol of courage and conviction.
The Republican representative also expressed her appreciation for the thousands of young people present at the memorial, whom she viewed as the torchbearers of Kirk’s vision. She challenged them to live boldly, speak truthfully, and remain rooted in faith, echoing Kirk’s own values. Luna’s speech was part of a broader outpouring of support from Republican lawmakers who have consistently praised Kirk’s legacy and called for greater protection of his family’s privacy in the wake of his tragic assassination.
In the days following Kirk’s death, Luna had urged social media platforms to remove videos of the violent attack, citing the need to protect his family from repeated trauma. Her remarks at the memorial service underscored her deep personal connection to Kirk and her commitment to carrying forward his ideals within the political arena.