Tens of thousands gather for memorial: ‘A revival in celebration of Charlie Kirk and of his Lord Jesus Christ’
Caroline MolloyTens of thousands filled State Farm Stadium on Sunday for the public memorial of Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, in a service marked as much by prayer and worship as by political tributes.
The Sept. 21 gathering reached full capacity with more than 63,000 in attendance, while thousands more waited outside or watched from nearby overflow areas.
President Donald Trump attended the service and was seated behind bulletproof glass in a private suite alongside Elon Musk. Vice President JD Vance also attended, along with multiple cabinet officials: Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., among others.
The program opened with a performance of “Amazing Grace” on bagpipes. Christian worship artist Chris Tomlin and country singer RaeLynn both performed during the service, ABC News reported.
A video tribute, narrated by his wife Erika Kirk, featured personal family footage and scenes from Charlie Kirk’s final public appearance at Utah Valley University. The video concluded with chants of “Charlie! Charlie!” from the stadium crowd.
Speakers throughout the program referred to Kirk as a “warrior” and a “martyr,” citing his influence on young conservatives and faith-based communities.
Rubio recalled first hearing of a young Charlie Kirk more than a decade ago and admitting he was skeptical.
“College campuses? You’re going to do that? Why don’t you start somewhere easier, like communist Cuba?” Rubio remembered saying to Kirk.
But, Rubio added, his doubts quickly faded. Over the years, he saw Kirk lead what he called a “renaissance” among young Americans who were being told to reject faith, family, and country.
“Here was this voice that inspired a movement in which young Americans were told, ‘That is not true,’” Rubio said. “Marriage is not oppressive. Children are not a burden. And America is not a source of evil, but the greatest, most exceptional nation in history.”
