GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — President Donald Trump and key figures from his "Make America Great Again" movement are set to honor conservative activist Charlie Kirk during a memorial service on Sunday. Kirk’s killing has sparked intense discourse surrounding the current political climate in the United States.
The memorial, expected to attract tens of thousands of attendees, will take place at State Farm Stadium, the home of the NFL's Arizona Cardinals, where Kirk's organization, Turning Point, is based. Among the attendees will be Vice President JD Vance, senior White House personnel, and young conservatives influenced by Kirk’s activism.
Kirk was assassinated on September 10 during an event at a college campus in Utah, leading to a heated debate around political violence, decency, and free speech amid growing divisions in America. The incident has invoked fear among citizens that Trump may use public outrage over Kirk's death to justify silencing critics and political adversaries.
In his public remarks, Trump has accused the "radical left" of being responsible for Kirk's murder, pledging to target liberal organizations and donors who are perceived to be disrespecting Kirk's memory. He expressed his outrage over House Democrats' opposition to a resolution appreciating Kirk’s life, which passed in the Republican-controlled House.
In light of the incident, numerous individuals, including journalists and educators, have lost their jobs due to backlash against comments perceived as offensive or celebratory regarding Kirk's death. This retaliation has fueled a broader discussion about the First Amendment, as the Trump administration threatens consequences for those making disparaging remarks about Kirk.
Following backlash to a comedic remark about Kirk, ABC temporarily suspended Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show. Furthermore, the State Department has warned foreign nationals that they may have their visas revoked if they celebrate Kirk's assassination.
Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old man from Utah, has been charged with Kirk’s murder and could face the death penalty if convicted of the most serious counts. Prosecutors have noted that Robinson communicated to his partner that he was tired of Kirk's "hatred" in a text following the shooting, although a clear motive has yet to be established.
Kirk was a transformative figure in conservative politics, founding Turning Point to mobilize young conservatives, which grew into a multimillion-dollar organization under his leadership. The anticipated crowd for his memorial service illustrates the profound impact Kirk had within conservative circles in America.
Prominent conservatives have rallied around Kirk, defending his legacy against criticisms labeling his remarks as racist, misogynistic, anti-immigrant, and transphobic. Supporters assert that the criticisms unjustly minimize Kirk's broader contributions to the conservative movement. Kirk, widely regarded as a MAGA celebrity, maintained a devoted following, often engaging audiences at events across the nation.
Arizona, Kirk's adopted state, becomes the focal point for his memorial as his casket was transported from Utah to Arizona aboard Air Force Two by Vice President Vance. The memorial will feature speakers including Trump, Vance, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. Additionally, notable personalities, including Donald Trump Jr. and commentator Tucker Carlson, are scheduled to speak, alongside contemporary Christian musicians like Chris Tomlin.
Kirk's widow, now the leader of Turning Point, will also address attendees, vowing that "the movement my husband built will not die" in her tribute to her late husband.
