President Donald Trump paid tribute to Charlie Kirk at the late conservative activist's memorial service at the State Farm Stadium in Arizona.
In a politically-charged speech, Trump announced he would posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Erika Kirk, his widow, who has taken on leadership of Turning Point USA, took the stage just before the president, and told the huge crowd she forgives her husband’s killer.
Other speakers included Vice President JD Vance; Marco Rubio, Secretary of State; Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Defense; Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence; Susie Wiles, White House Chief of Staff; and Stephen Miller, Deputy Chief of Staff.
Vance said Kirk changed the course of American history with the movement he created. Miller warned the left that the “dragon” is awakened and in death, Kirk is immortalized.
More than 200,000 are believed to have turned up, but the stadium, home of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, has a maximum capacity of 73,000 for large events, plus 19,000 in a nearby overflow arena.
Security for Sunday's service in Glendale, a suburb of Phoenix, was raised to the level typically reserved for Super Bowls, and speakers stood behind bulletproof glass.
Read More
Key points
- Trump takes to stage to pay tribute to Charlie Kirk
- Mid-tribute to Charlie Kirk, Trump declares 'I think we found an answer to autism'
- Erika Kirk says she forgives her husband's killer as she pays emotional tribute
- Vance says Kirk changed American history with his movement
- Stephen Miller delivers fiery remarks, warning the 'dragon' has been awakened
Split emerges among GOP senators on Trump’s targeting of media
04:00
,
Oliver O'Connell
Republicans on Capitol Hill are not entirely comfortable with Donald Trump’s efforts to suppress dissenting views on the mainstream broadcast and cable channels, and a divide is emerging in the party over the efforts by the administration to pressure ABC into suspending Jimmy Kimmel indefinitely last week.
On Sunday, two recurring critics of the president within his own party were on the Sunday talk circuit reacting to Kimmel’s suspension. The Jimmy Kimmel Live! host was pulled from the airwaves last week after making comments about the shooting death of Charlie Kirk on his show and accusing Republicans of exploiting the moment for recriminations against the left.
John Bowden reports from Washington, D.C.
Trump orders attorney general to prosecute his political enemies straight away
03:30
,
Oliver O'Connell
Ahead of his speech at Charlie Kirk’s memorial service, in which he said, unlike the late conservative activist, that he hates his opponents, President Donald Trump ordered Attorney General Pam Bondi to prosecute his political enemies straight away.
John Bowden reports.
Watch: Erika Kirk reveal supportive words from Usha Vance
03:00
,
Oliver O'Connell
Report: Feds have found no links between Kirk assassination suspect and left-wing groups
02:30
,
Oliver O'Connell
Federal investigators have found no evidence linking Tyler Robinson , who is accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk, to left-wing groups, despite claims from former President Donald Trump and his administration , three sources tell NBC News.
The trio of insiders is reportedly familiar with the probe into the case, which, as of now, appears to revolve around Robinson, 22, acting alone.
Erin Keller reports.
Commenting on political climate in US, Angelina Jolie says she doesn’t ‘recognize’ her country
02:00
,
Oliver O'Connell
Angelina Jolie has commented on the United States’ political climate.
On Sunday, the Maria actor, 50, attended the San Sebastian Film Festival in Spain for the premiere of her latest movie, Couture, when she was asked, “What do you fear as an artist and an American?”
After a brief pause, she admitted it was “a very difficult question.”
Brittany Miller reports.
CNN pundit Van Jones says Charlie Kirk sent him unexpected final message
01:30
,
Oliver O'Connell
CNN analyst Van Jones revealed Saturday that the day before Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at an outdoor college debate event, the conservative activist had messaged him inviting him onto his show.
The liberal pundit believes Kirk’s final text to him offers a powerful message about debating and managing political disagreements.
Read on...
Watch: Trump and Erika Kirk embrace at conclusion of Charlie Kirk memorial service
01:00
,
Oliver O'Connell
Pres. Trump and Erika Kirk embrace at conclusion of Charlie Kirk memorial service in Arizona ... pic.twitter.com/quIqzUszRD
— Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) September 21, 2025
Full story: ‘Charlie’s angry with me right now’: Trump says he ‘hates opponents’ moments after emotional Erika Kirk ‘forgives’ husband’s killer
Monday 22 September 2025 00:45
,
Oliver O'Connell
President Donald Trump said that he “hates” his political opponents moments after Erika Kirk, the widow of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk, forgave her husband’s killer in an emotional tribute at his memorial.
Trump was the headline speaker Sunday at Kirk’s public memorial service at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona and immediately followed Erika Kirk’s powerful speech.
Trump apologized to Kirk and his widow for “disagreeing” with them when it comes to dealing with political foes.
Rhian Lubin reports.
'For Charlie': Musk tweets picture of him and Trump
Monday 22 September 2025 00:43
,
Oliver O'Connell
For Charlie pic.twitter.com/8092jIt319
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 21, 2025
Watch: Charlie Kirk tribute video captures last moments at Utah Valley University
Monday 22 September 2025 00:30
,
Oliver O'Connell
Trump joined on stage by Erika Kirk as he concludes remarks
Monday 22 September 2025 00:21
,
Oliver O'Connell
President Donald Trump was joined on stage by Erika Kirk as he concluded his remarks, paying tribute to her late husband.
During his speech, the president ssaid he would award Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
.@POTUS: It’s rare that such a thing happens, but Charlie is bigger today than he was just two weeks ago... That is why I will soon award Charlie the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. And we will do the ceremony at our beautiful White House. pic.twitter.com/bvtpMUO4E0
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) September 21, 2025
Trump: 'The bullet was aimed at every one of us'
Monday 22 September 2025 00:11
,
Oliver O'Connell
Charlie's murder was not just an attack on one man or one movement. It was an attack on our entire nation,” says President Donald Trump. “That was a horrible attack on the United States of America. It was an assault on our most sacred liberties and God given rights. The gun was pointed at him, but the bullet was aimed at all of us. That bullet was aimed at every one of us.
President Donald Trump speaking at Charlie Kirk's memorial
Watch: Trump talks tariffs at Kirk memorial service
Monday 22 September 2025 00:04
,
Oliver O'Connell
Trump: Tariffs are making us rich again. Richer than anybody ever thought was possible. And the only one challenging them are people that hate our country or foreign countries that are paying a price pic.twitter.com/HeKwFGKTXx
— Acyn (@Acyn) September 21, 2025
People heading for exits as Trump speaks, reports say
Monday 22 September 2025 00:01
,
Oliver O'Connell
As President Donald Trump continues speaking, delivering by far the longest speech of the day, hundreds of people are leaving State Farm Stadium, according to reports by both CNN and The New York Times.
Many have been on-site since well before dawn in order to get inside and are now likely wanting to get ahead of the likely gridlocked traffic in the area at the conclusion of the event.
Trump says he disagreed with Kirk because he 'hates' his opponents
Sunday 21 September 2025 23:55
,
Oliver O'Connell
President Donald Trump, after praising Charlie Kirk for wanting to engage with his political opponents, said he disagreed with the late conservative activist on that point.
“He did not hate his opponents. He wanted the best for them. That's where I disagreed with Charlie. I hate my opponent, and I don't want the best for them. I'm sorry.”
Trump: He did not hate his opponents. He wanted the best for them. That's where I disagreed with Charlie. I hate my opponent and I don't want the best for them. I'm sorry pic.twitter.com/GUiW7NBb0y
— Acyn (@Acyn) September 21, 2025
Mid-tribute to Charlie Kirk, Trump declares 'I think we found an answer to autism'
Sunday 21 September 2025 23:47
,
Oliver O'Connell
After speaking warmly about Charlie Kirk for some minutes, President Donald Trump began talking about an upcoming announcement concerning the health of Americans.
“I think we found an answer to autism. We're going to be talking in the Oval Office about autism, how it happens. So, we won't let it happen anymore, and how to get at least somewhat better when you have it, so that parents can help their child.”
He then returned to talking about the late conservative activist.
Trump: I think we found an answer to autism. We're going to be talking in the oval office about autism how it happens. So, we won't let it happen anymore and how to get at least somewhat better when you have it so that parents can help their child pic.twitter.com/rszezv8QMK
— Acyn (@Acyn) September 21, 2025
Trump wants Kirk 'revered as a great American hero'
Sunday 21 September 2025 23:43
,
Oliver O'Connell
President Donald Trump says of Erika Kirk: “Today, an entire nation wraps its loving arms around you and your beautiful children — we share in your immense and overwhelming sorrow — and we vow that we will do everything we can to ensure that your children grow up in a land where their father is honored and revered as a great American hero.”
.@POTUS delivers a powerful message to @MrsErikaKirk: "Today, an entire nation wraps its loving arms around you and your beautiful children—we share in your immense and overwhelming sorrow—and we vow that we will do everything we can to ensure that your children grow up in a land… pic.twitter.com/GOMJKf0bNI
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) September 21, 2025
Of the late Charlie Kirk, he said: “What was even more important to Charlie than politics and service was the choice he made in the fifth grade — which he called the 'most important decision of his life' — to become a Christian and a follower of his savior, Jesus Christ.”
.@POTUS: "What was even more important to Charlie than politics and service was the choice he made in the fifth grade — which he called the 'most important decision of his life' — to become a Christian and a follower of his savior, Jesus Christ." pic.twitter.com/ILCrfawb72
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) September 21, 2025
Trump takes to stage to pay tribute to Kirk
Sunday 21 September 2025 23:36
,
Oliver O'Connell
President Donald Trump is paying tribute to Charlie Kirk at today’s memorial service.
He took to the stage as Lee Greenwood sand “God Bless the USA,” the president’s favorite walk-on music.
Moments earlier, Erika Kirk said she forgives her husband's killer.
.@POTUS walks on stage at Charlie Kirk's memorial service to a live performance of God Bless the U.S.A. by Lee Greenwood ❤️ pic.twitter.com/wERZvxuUWJ
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) September 21, 2025
Erika Kirk says she forgives her husband's killer
Sunday 21 September 2025 23:20
,
Oliver O'Connell
In an especially powerful moment during the memorial service for Charlie Kirk, his widow, Erika Kirk, citing the example of Jesus on the cross, said through tears that she forgives the man who shot and killed her husband.
After saying that her husband’s mission has been to save such men, she said: “That young man—I forgive him.”
“The answer to hate is not hate. The answer, we know from the Gospel, is love. It’s always love,” she further said.
There was a standing ovation from the crowd.
Watch that moment here:
Erika Kirk: "My husband Charlie he wanted to save young men, just like the one who took his life...On the cross, our savior said, 'Father, forgive them, for they not know what they do.' That young man. I forgive him." pic.twitter.com/jy8W7YrmVs
— CSPAN (@cspan) September 21, 2025
Erika Kirk says Charlie was doing what he loved
Sunday 21 September 2025 23:17
,
Oliver O'Connell
Paying tribute to her husband, Erika Kirk says he was doing what he loved that day in Utah, speaking to college students.
“And then he blinked and met his savior in paradise,” she told the crowd.
One moment Charlie was doing what he loved, and then he blinked and met his savior in paradise.@MrsErikaKirk pic.twitter.com/mZjSCKGEbD
— Turning Point Action (@TPAction_) September 21, 2025
Erika Kirk says husband's death sparked 'revival'
Sunday 21 September 2025 23:09
,
Oliver O'Connell
Erika Kirk tells the crowd: “After Charlie's assassination, we didn't see violence. We didn't see rioting. We didn't see revolution. Instead, we saw what my husband always prayed he would see in this country — we saw revival.”
Erika Kirk: "After Charlie's assassination, we didn't see violence. We didn't see rioting. We didn't see revolution. Instead, we saw what my husband always prayed he would see in this country — we saw REVIVAL." pic.twitter.com/oH1NSoVLrI
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) September 21, 2025
Charlie Kirk's widow Erika Kirk takes the stage
Sunday 21 September 2025 22:59
,
Oliver O'Connell
A tearful Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk’s widow, has taken the stage to pay tribute to her late husband.
Erika has taken on the leadership of Turning Point USA, the organization Kirk founded.
Regaining her composure, she began her remarks.
“I bless all of you for coming here from all over the world to honor and celebrate my Charlie,” she said.
Earlier today, The New York Times published the first interview with her. Rhian Lubin reports:
Vance says Kirk changed American history with his movement
Sunday 21 September 2025 22:42
,
Oliver O'Connell
Vice President JD Vance is making his remarks at the memorial to his friend Charlie Kirk.
Vance has credited Kirk for supporting him since the early days of his political career.
He said in a recent interview: “I would not be the vice president of the United States were it not for Charlie Kirk.”
In his remarks at the State Farm Stadium, he said: “The evil murderer who took Charlie from us expected us to have a funeral today — and instead, my friends, we have had a revival and celebration of Charlie Kirk and of his Lord Jesus Christ.”
.@VP: "The evil murderer who took Charlie from us expected us to have a funeral today — and instead, my friends, we have had a revival and celebration of Charlie Kirk and of his Lord Jesus Christ." pic.twitter.com/7Be0GzH3qi
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) September 21, 2025
Vance also said: “From this desert, Charlie Kirk built a movement... and in doing so, he changed the course of American history... Charlie Kirk brought many truths in his life... But most of all, Charlie brought the truth that Jesus Christ was the King of Kings and that all truth flowed from this first and most important one.”
.@VP: "From this desert, Charlie Kirk built a movement... and in doing so, he changed the course of American history... Charlie Kirk brought many truths in his life... But most of all, Charlie brought the truth that Jesus Christ was the King of Kings and that all truth flowed… pic.twitter.com/2yQxx36G6I
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) September 21, 2025
Full story: Trump and Musk reunited at Charlie Kirk memorial months after bitter breakup
Sunday 21 September 2025 22:40
,
Oliver O'Connell
President Donald Trump and Elon Musk were reunited at Charlie Kirk’s memorial service in Arizona following their bitter split a few months ago.
The men were seen on camera shaking hands Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale during speeches for the Turning Point USA founder.
After months of being Trump’s “first buddy,” the world’s richest man made a dramatic exit from the White House at the end of May after a feud ignited between him and the president.
Rhian Lubin reports.
Don Jr. says he was 'truly devastated' at Kirk's death
Sunday 21 September 2025 22:38
,
Oliver O'Connell
In his remarks, Donald Trump Jr. said: “Last week, when I received word that Charlie, who was like a little brother to me, had been assassinated, I was truly devastated.”
He continued: “His legacy must be that when they took his life, a million more Charlies stepped up to fill the void. We are all Charlie.”
Don Jr. then led the crowd in a call and response: “I want to make sure the world hears us loud and clear. Will you surrender? Will you back down? Will you give up in fear?”
The shouted back “no” each time.
Full story: Charlie Kirk’s widow Erika says she does not ‘want that man’s blood on my ledger’ when asked about fate of his killer
Sunday 21 September 2025 22:30
,
Oliver O'Connell
Charlie Kirk’s widow has said she wants to let the government decide whether her husband’s accused killer will receive the death penalty, saying she does not want his blood on her “ledger.”
Rhian Lubin reports.
Watch: Donald Trump Jr does impression of his father
Sunday 21 September 2025 22:29
,
Oliver O'Connell
In an unexpected moment (for a memorial service), Donald Trump Jr. did an impression of his father, to much laughter from the crowd and a smile and a wave from the president.
RFK Jr says Kirk though conversation was only way to heal country
Sunday 21 September 2025 22:26
,
Oliver O'Connell
Health & Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said Charlie Kirk “thought that conversation was the only way to heal our country.”
“This was important, particularly important during a technological age. And we are all hooked into social rhythms,” he said.
“Social algorithms that are hacked and reptilian cause our brain to amplify impulses for tribalism and for division. He felt that the only way to overcome that biological impulse was with a spiritual fire and with developing community. And the only way to develop community was through conversation."
Hegseth says Kirk wanted to go to West Point
Sunday 21 September 2025 22:22
,
Oliver O'Connell
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth told the crowd that Charlie Kirk had wanted to go to the United States Military Academy at West Point.
“Most people don't know this, but Charlie Kirk wanted to go to West Point. It never happened. Obviously, his personal loss at that moment was our nation's great gain,” he said.
Sunday 21 September 2025 22:20
,
Oliver O'Connell
Charlie lived what our founders envisioned freedom. The right to speak even when we disagree. Freedom. I may not agree with what you say, but I will fight to defend to the death with my very life. Your right to speak free speech is the foundation of our democratic republic. We must protect it at all costs because without it we'll be lost. Charlie knew this. He lived it.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, speaking at the memorial to Charlie Kirk
Rubio remembers Kirk's wisdom despite young age
Sunday 21 September 2025 22:16
,
Oliver O'Connell
In his remarks, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Charlie Kirk had wisdom that “takes a lifetime to accumulate,” despite being just 31 at the time of his death.
“He made a difference, he mattered,” Rubio said.
Like many other speakers, Rubio added that Kirk had a “tremendous impact on young Americans” and led a movement that was both “broader” and “deeper” than just politics.
Trump and Musk seen chatting
Sunday 21 September 2025 22:12
,
Oliver O'Connell
President Donald Trump and Elon Musk are sitting together and chatting during the memorial service for Charlie Kirk.
The two were once close friends but fell out earlier this year over the president’s “Big, Beautiful Bill.”
.@POTUS and @elonmusk at Charlie Kirk's memorial service ❤️ pic.twitter.com/MhJziFujev
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) September 21, 2025
Gor says Kirk knew 'we were in a spiritual war'
Sunday 21 September 2025 22:10
,
Oliver O'Connell
White House Presidential Personnel Office Director Sergio Gor said Charlie Kirk “knew that we were in a spiritual war for the heart, soul, and future of America.”
Charlie knew that we were in a spiritual war for the heart, soul and future of America. pic.twitter.com/tPvbrrf9X9
— Turning Point Action (@TPAction_) September 21, 2025
Watch: Tucker Carlson says 'any attempt to extinguish light makes it burn brighter'
Sunday 21 September 2025 22:07
,
Oliver O'Connell
Charlie Kirk memorial service crowd size (during Tucker Carlson remarks) ... pic.twitter.com/FIhAX006J4
— Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) September 21, 2025
Speakers protected by bullet proof glass
Sunday 21 September 2025 21:59
,
Oliver O'Connell
Speakers at the Charlie Kirk memorial appear to be protected by bulletproof glass when on stage.
There are strict security measures in place today, with most senior members of the Trump administration in attendance.
Pictured is Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.
She said: “Charlie lived what our founders envisioned: freedom, the right to speak even when we disagree.”
