On Sunday, U.S. President Donald Trump honored the memory of young conservative leader Charlie Kirk, describing his death as a result of "speaking the truth from his heart." During a memorial service that drew a crowd of 73,000 at Arizona's State Farm Stadium, Trump delivered the final speech among a prominent lineup from the MAGA movement.
"He was a missionary with a noble spirit and a grand purpose. He did not harbor hatred for his opponents; he wished the best for them," Trump remarked, admitting a difference of opinion with the deceased: "That's where Charlie and I diverged. I despise my opponents and do not wish them well."
Trump further condemned Kirk's killer, labeling him a "cold-blooded, radicalized monster."
Before Trump took the podium, Erika Kirk, the widow of the influencer, offered forgiveness to the man who took her husband's life. "I forgive him," she stated, quoting Jesus: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."
The newly appointed CEO of Turning Point America emphasized her late husband's mission to rescue new generations "consumed by resentment, anger, and hate."
Other speakers included Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and Don Jr..
Prior to the event, the U.S. Secret Service reported the arrest of an armed man at State Farm Stadium. Arizona authorities charged Joshua Runkles on Saturday after he entered the venue with a gun and knife, displaying "suspicious behavior," according to a spokesperson.
Charlie Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA and host of the conservative podcast The Charlie Kirk Show, was tragically murdered on September 10th during a conference at Utah Valley University. The suspect, Tyler Robinson, 22, was apprehended a few days later.
Kirk's death adds to a disturbing trend of political violence in the U.S., including the killings of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, as well as UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York.
In the past year, Trump himself has narrowly escaped two assassination attempts during his election campaign.
Political Violence in the United States
What was the purpose of Charlie Kirk's work?
Charlie Kirk aimed to guide new generations away from resentment, anger, and hate through his work with Turning Point USA.
How did Donald Trump describe Charlie Kirk's killer?
Donald Trump referred to Kirk's killer as a "cold-blooded, radicalized monster."
Who else spoke at Charlie Kirk's memorial service?
Speakers included Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and Don Jr.