Trump hails Charlie Kirk as ‘martyr for freedom’ at massive memorial

Glendale, United States: A sea of mourners filled a packed American football stadium on Sunday as former US President Donald Trump led tributes to slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk, calling him “a giant of his generation” and “a martyr for freedom.”

The memorial, organized by Turning Point USA — the youth movement Kirk founded — drew tens of thousands, with heavy security and the presence of top Trump administration officials, creating an atmosphere some likened to a state funeral.

Trump, 79, described the 31-year-old as “above all a devoted husband, father, son, Christian and patriot,” adding that he was “violently killed because he spoke for freedom and justice. For God and country. For reason and for common sense.”

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Kirk was shot in the neck on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University during one of his public debate events. Authorities quickly launched a manhunt and later arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, who now faces a murder charge with prosecutors seeking the death penalty.

Before Trump’s address, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth all took the stage to honor Kirk’s legacy. Trump’s senior advisor Stephen Miller delivered one of the most fiery speeches, declaring: “You thought you could kill Charlie Kirk? You have made him immortal.”

Other high-profile figures including right-wing commentator Tucker Carlson, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard joined the lineup. Kirk’s widow, Erika, who now leads Turning Point USA, drew a powerful reaction when she forgave the accused killer from the stage, telling the audience: “That young man, I forgive him.”

Trump, seated alongside billionaire Elon Musk during the ceremony, appeared deeply moved as Christian music and tributes filled the stadium. Many in attendance hailed Kirk as a “Christ-like martyr,” crediting him with giving young conservatives the courage to voice their beliefs on issues like gender in sports and faith in public life.

The killing has further deepened America’s political divide. Authorities say the suspect justified the attack by citing “hatred” stirred by Kirk’s rhetoric, which often targeted transgender rights, Muslims, and liberal groups. In the days following the shooting, Trump vowed to designate Antifa as a “major terrorist organization” and announced a wider crackdown on what his administration calls left-wing domestic terrorism.

Meanwhile, the incident has already rippled into the media world. Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel’s show was suspended last week after controversial comments about Kirk’s death, sparking debate over free speech and political censorship.

Despite the controversy, the memorial service remained a powerful show of loyalty to Kirk’s movement and his role in shaping young conservative activism. For many supporters, the message was clear: his death has only strengthened their resolve.