US politicians and conservative figures paid tribute to slain activist and podcaster Charlie Kirk at a memorial service in Glendale, Arizona on Sunday. The speakers praised Kirk’s Christian convictions and his ability to connect with young people.
Kirk, who co-founded conservative action group Turning Point USA at just 18 years old, was killed by a sniper on September 10 as he was speaking to students at a college in Utah.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described Kirk as a “warrior” who had the “Biblical heart of a soldier.” He urged the activist’s followers to “live worthy of Charlie Kirk’s sacrifice.”
WATCH | Pete Hegseth: “My charge to all of you: live worthy of Charlie Kirk’s sacrifice, and put Christ at the center of your life as he advocated for giving his.” pic.twitter.com/XyB7sL85GR
— VOZ (@Voz_US) September 21, 2025
Journalist Tucker Carlson said Kirk believed faith was more important than politics. “The main thing about Charlie and his message is that he was bringing the Gospel to the country,” Carlson added. “He was doing the thing that the people in charge hate most, which is calling for them to repent.”
Tucker Carlson, speaking at the memorial for Charlie Kirk, blames the Jews for the death of Jesus and Charlie Kirk. This is very dangerous. And he laughed. pic.twitter.com/MS5c0ySCMK
— Israel Now (@neveragainlive1) September 21, 2025
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard hailed Kirk as a “warrior for truth and freedom.”
“His words were his weapons. He slayed ignorance, cut through lies, and woke people’s minds,” she said, adding: “his voice is now louder than ever.”
Utah resident Tyler Robinson has been charged with Kirk’s murder. Speaking at the memorial service, Charlie Kirk’s widow, Erika, said she has forgiven her husband’s killer, stressing that his mission was to “save young men just like the one who took his life.”
“That young man, I forgive him,” she said, struggling to hold back tears. “I forgive him because it was what Christ did, and it is what Charlie would do. The answer to hate is not hate. The answer we know from the gospel is love and always love.”
Kirk gained prominence by touring college campuses and debating students. His clashes with left-wing opponents often went viral on social media. He was widely credited with energizing young conservative voters and helping President Donald Trump secure a second term in office in 2024.
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