At the heart of Charlie Kirk’s memorial service was the profound sense of loss and the enduring spiritual legacy of the late conservative advocate.
Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent figure in the conservative movement, passed away in a tragic shooting on September 1, 2025. His memorial service, held in Glendale, Arizona, brought together friends, family, and fellow activists to reflect on his life, his contributions, and the impact he had on both politics and faith.
McCoy, known as ‘Charlie’s Pastor,’ played a central role in the service, which took place on Sunday, September 21. He opened the event with a message that blended personal reflection with public advocacy, speaking on how Kirk’s life was defined by his unwavering commitment to faith, liberty, and the principles of the American founding. As a co-chair of Turning Point Faith—a faith-based offshoot of the conservative organization—he and Kirk formed an inseparable bond over the years.
Kirk’s assassination on September 1, 2025, led to an outpouring of grief not only in the conservative community but also across the nation. The event on September 21 was a pivotal moment, where both mourning and celebration of Kirk’s life took place in parallel. The service featured performances by Christian artists, a testament to the intersection of faith and culture in the conservative movement.
At the center of the service were stories that highlighted Kirk’s impact on the religious right. McCoy spoke of Kirk’s influence in guiding others toward spiritual commitment and his ability to see politics as an ‘on-ramp to Jesus.’ This perspective was central to Kirk’s work, where he often framed political activism as a way to serve both God and country.
While the event was deeply personal and emotional, it also served to reinforce the importance of faith as a foundation for political action. Many attendees were inspired by the message that Kirk’s legacy would live on through his continued influence on others, even in his absence.
For the family and close friends of Kirk, the memorial was not just a moment of reflection but also a call to continue the work he began. As McCoy reminded the audience, Kirk’s life was a testament to the idea that faith and purpose could be the driving forces behind any cause. The service concluded with renewed resolve among attendees to carry forward Kirk’s message of liberty and spiritual commitment.
The service also included a tribute from Rabbi Shmuel Herzog, who honored Kirk for his steadfast defense of Israel and his commitment to its protection with clarity and courage.
Herzog emphasized that Kirk’s legacy extended beyond American politics to include a deep and enduring support for the State of Israel. This was a key aspect of Kirk’s personal beliefs, which he often expressed in both his public and private life.
As the memorial service drew to a close, it offered more than just a remembrance of Kirk’s life; it also served as a reminder of the power of faith in shaping political and personal convictions. For many, the event was a moment of closure, not only in mourning but also in celebrating the impact Kirk had on the world, even in his absence.
The memorial was a gathering of souls united by a common purpose—honoring a man whose life and work were dedicated to the principles of freedom, faith, and the belief that through the power of Christ, all things are possible.