A ceremony honoring the slain conservative activist is being held in Arizona
On Sunday, US politicians and conservative public figures gathered in Glendale, Arizona, for a memorial service to honor the late Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA. The event drew a wide array of speakers, including prominent figures like Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, journalist Tucker Carlson, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, all of whom paid tribute to Kirk’s impact on young voters and his unwavering Christian convictions.
Kirk, who was just 18 years old when he co-founded the conservative action group Turning Point USA, was tragically killed by a sniper on September 10 during a speech at a college in Utah. His death has sparked an outpouring of condolences and tributes, with many in the conservative movement calling him a true patriot and a symbol of the values they hold dear.
Pete Hegseth, a prominent figure in the Trump administration, described Kirk as a ‘warrior’ with the ‘Biblical heart of a soldier.’ In a speech at the memorial, he called on Kirk’s followers to ‘live worthy of his sacrifice,’ emphasizing the importance of faith and service to the nation. Hegseth’s remarks resonated deeply with the crowd, further highlighting the reverence in which Kirk is held within the conservative community.
Tucker Carlson, another influential voice in conservative media, praised Kirk for his unwavering commitment to faith over politics. In a speech at the event, Carlson said, ‘The main thing about Charlie and his message is that he was bringing the Gospel to the country. He was doing the thing that the people in charge hate most, which is calling for them to repent.’ His words underscored the role Kirk played as a spiritual and ideological leader for many young conservatives.
Tulsi Gabbard, the Director of National Intelligence, also spoke at the event, hailing Kirk as a ‘warrior for truth and freedom.’ She emphasized how Kirk’s words and actions had a profound impact, cutting through misinformation and awakening the minds of young people. His voice, she said, is now louder than ever, a testament to the enduring legacy of his work.
Kirk’s widow, Erika, appeared at the memorial, delivering a poignant message of forgiveness for the man responsible for her husband’s death. ‘That young man, I forgive him,’ she said, struggling to hold back tears. ‘It was what Christ did, and it is what Charlie would do. The answer to hate is not hate. The answer we know from the gospel is love and always love.’ Her words reminded the audience of the personal stakes involved in Kirk’s death and the broader moral imperative of forgiveness.
Kirk’s legacy is also reflected in the broader political landscape. His college campus tours and fiery debates with left-leaning opponents became a defining feature of his public persona, with many arguing that his efforts played a critical role in energizing young conservative voters. The impact of his activism was evident in the success of President Donald Trump’s campaign in 2024, where Kirk’s influence on the youth base was widely acknowledged.
As the memorial service came to a close, the audience was left with a sense of profound loss and deep admiration for Kirk’s contributions. The event served not only as a tribute to his life but also as a reminder of the enduring power of his message and the impact he had on the political and cultural landscape of the United States.