The event was organized by Kirk's organization Turning Point USA and drew tens of thousands of mourners to State Farm Stadium in Glendale. Most wore red, white, and blue clothing, and the 63,000-seat stadium was filled to capacity.
Trump's harsh words contrasted with speeches by others who described Kirk as an inspiring Christian and leader of the conservative youth movement.
His wife Erika, who has taken over the leadership of Turning Point USA, gave an emotional speech, looked up to the sky and said, “I love you.” She emphasized that her husband had “lived every day to the fullest” and even offered forgiveness to the 22-year-old man charged with his murder, citing Jesus' example in the Bible.
“Charlie wanted to save young men — even ones like the one who took his life,” she said with tears in her eyes.
Political messages and sharp warnings
Several conservative politicians portrayed Kirk's death as a defining moment for the movement. Former White House adviser Stephen Miller declared, “You have no idea what dragon you have awakened. We will be more determined to save civilization, the West, and the Republic.”
Speakers also included Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Vance credited Kirk with mobilizing young voters, which he said contributed to Trump's election victory.
Trump's speech, however, was the most strident—he repeatedly attacked the “radical left.” At the same time, he acknowledged that he differed from Kirk in his attitude toward political opponents: “He couldn't hate them. I hate them.”
After his speech, Trump brought Erika Kirk onto the stage, who hugged him while “America the Beautiful” played in the stadium.
Death and growing concerns
Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, was shot during a discussion at a university in Utah while answering a question from the audience. The motive is still unclear, and investigators are examining the suspect's text messages and inscriptions on bullet casings.
While Kirk's supporters describe him as a defender of conservative values and free speech, civil rights organizations accuse him of making racist, anti-immigrant, transphobic, and sexist statements.
However, his murder has reignited a debate about the rise of political violence in the US and the growing polarization of society. Critics warn that Trump is using this tragedy to justify further attacks on his political opponents.
In her speech, former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard reminded listeners that political fanatics often resort to violence: “They kill and terrorize their opponents in the hope of silencing them. But by trying to silence Charlie, his voice is now louder than ever.”
(reuters, max)