The Charlie Kirk memorial service got underway early Sunday in Glendale, Arizona, where thousands of attendees began lining up in the predawn hours to attend an hours-long service whose speakers included President Trump, Vice President Vance, Tucker Carlson and dozens more.
State Farm Stadium was filled to the rafters in the early goings after doors opened at opening at 8 a.m. A sea of red, white and blue-clad mourners took seats that were prestocked with placards to honor the slain conservative activist, who was shot and killed 11 days ago while speaking with a throng of students at Utah Valley University.
The home of the Arizona Cardinals was already filled as the event got underway with a Sunday worship service that included extensive music performances and biblical messages before scheduled speakers took the stage. One by one they took the stage to speak loftily of Kirk, each highlighting his bold Christian faith, with traditional hymns and contemporary church songs playing them on and off.
“I can’t help but think but that they tried to silence my friend … and today, tonight, we speak with Charlie and for Charlie louder than ever,” Vance began during his turn midway through the program. “The evil murderer who took Charlie from us expected us to have a funeral and instead today, we had a revival.”
Vance said before he met Kirk, whom he claimed as a close personal friend, he was afraid to publicly discuss his religious beliefs. That all changed after Kirk was assassinated, the vice president said.
“I have talked more about my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ in the last two weeks than I have in my entire life,” Vance said. “And that is the undeniable legacy of the great Charlie Kirk. … We love you. We’ve got it from here.”
Early speakers included Benny Johnson, Ben Carson, Florida Rep. Anna Paulina Luna and longtime Kirk spokesman Andrew Kolvet. Kirk’s widow Erika, who is set to lead his organization Turning Point USA, was also scheduled to speak at the event that at times looked and sounded like a church service, and at others a political rally.
“Charles Kirk was the turning point,” conservative activist Jack Posobiec said from the dais, to thundering cheers. “We will never forget the left forget the name Charlie Kirk … we will never forget Charlie Kirk.”
Tucker Carlson, Stephen Miller, Tulsi Gabbard, Marco Rubio, Pete Hegseth, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Donald Trump Jr. also joined the voices from the dais later Sunday.
In the crowd was Elon Musk, who posted a video to his X platform, writing: “Every seat in this giant arena that isn’t roped off for security is packed to the ceiling. Honored to be here. All for Charlie Kirk.”
More to come …
