**US President Donald Trump and Prominent Conservatives Pay Tribute to Assassinated Activist Charlie Kirk**
US President Donald Trump and leading figures from his Make America Great Again movement recently paid tribute to conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was tragically assassinated. The memorial service for Kirk, whom Trump credits with playing a crucial role in his 2024 election victory, drew tens of thousands of mourners. Among those attending were Vice President J.D. Vance, senior administration officials, and young conservatives influenced by the 31-year-old firebrand.
“He transformed the face of conservatism in our own time, and in doing so, he changed the course of American history,” said Vance, who has publicly acknowledged Kirk’s advocacy as instrumental to his own political success. “Tonight we speak with Charlie and for Charlie louder than ever. For Charlie, we will remember that it is better to stand on our feet defending the United States of America and defending the truth than it is to die on our knees.”
Vance added, “My friends, for Charlie, we must remember that he is a hero to the United States of America. And he is a martyr for the Christian faith.”
Speakers at the service highlighted Kirk’s profound faith and his strong conviction that young conservatives should marry, build families, and pass on their values to continue growing their movement. Those close to Kirk prayed as the stadium pulsated with the bass of Christian rock bands, transforming the home of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals into something resembling a megachurch service.
“Charlie looked at politics as an on-ramp to Jesus,” said the Rev. Rob McCoy, Kirk’s pastor.
Kirk’s assassination on September 10th during an appearance at a Utah college campus has become a defining moment for the modern conservative movement. The tragedy has also sparked intense debate about violence, decency, and free speech amid deep political divisions.
There is growing fear among some Americans that President Trump may be seeking to leverage outrage over the killing to suppress critics and political opponents.
People began lining up before dawn to secure a spot inside State Farm Stadium, west of Phoenix, where Kirk’s Turning Point organization is headquartered. Security was tight, comparable to that of the Super Bowl or other major events.
The 63,400-seat stadium quickly filled with attendees dressed in red, white, and blue, as organizers had encouraged.
Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, addressed the crowd, sharing that despite her grief, she found comfort knowing her husband left the world without regrets. She also stated she forgives the man charged with killing him.
“My husband, Charlie, he wanted to save young men, just like the one who took his life,” Erika said as she announced she would be taking over as Turning Point’s leader. “I forgive him.”
Crystal Herman, who traveled from Branson, Missouri, told reporters, “I think this is going to change things, and I think he made such a difference. He deserves us to be here.”
Photos of Charlie Kirk at work and with his wife adorned easels throughout the concession areas of the main concourse, with attendees often posing for pictures beside them.
“We’re going to celebrate the life of a great man today,” President Trump told reporters before departing for Arizona. Trump has blamed the radical left for Kirk’s death and has threatened to target liberal organizations, donors, and others he believes are celebrating or maligning Kirk’s passing.
Dozens of people—including journalists, teachers, and late-night host Jimmy Kimmel—have faced suspensions or job losses after conservative activists and administration officials denounced comments about Kirk they deemed offensive or celebratory.
This backlash has ignited a heated debate over the First Amendment, as the Republican administration promises retribution against those who make disparaging remarks in the aftermath of Kirk’s death.
Several speakers at the memorial portrayed Kirk as a martyr in a battle against evil, often referring to a vague “they” as the enemy. Some adopted a confrontational tone.
“You thought you could kill Charlie Kirk? You have made him immortal,” declared Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller. “You have no idea the dragon you have awakened. You have no idea how determined we will be to save this civilization, to save the West, to save this republic.”
Speaker after speaker—including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio—expressed admiration for Kirk’s willingness to enter what many conservatives consider the “lion’s den” to advocate for their beliefs: college campuses.
“Why don’t you start somewhere easier?” Rubio joked years ago when he first heard about Kirk. “Like, for example, communist Cuba?”
Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old Utah man, has been charged with Kirk’s murder and faces the death penalty if convicted on the most serious charges. Authorities have not yet disclosed a clear motive for the shooting.
https://www.breakingnews.ie/world/charlie-kirks-friends-praise-conservative-activists-faith-at-memorial-service-1809510.html
