Thousands of attendees clad in patriotic colors streamed into State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Sunday for a massive memorial service honoring Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old conservative activist assassinated earlier this month.
The event, titled "Building a Legacy: Remembering Charlie Kirk," drew crowds that filled the 63,400-capacity venue, with overflow accommodations at a nearby arena to handle the surge.
Mourners arrived before dawn, enduring long lines and sweltering heat as they passed through rigorous security checks enforced due to the presence of high-profile figures.
Christian rock performances echoed through the stadium, accompanied by large screens displaying images of Kirk, including tender moments with his wife, Erika, who recently assumed leadership of Turning Point USA, the organization he founded.
The atmosphere blended solemn tribute with communal energy, as families and supporters from across the country shared stories of Kirk's impact on young conservatives.
President Donald Trump headlined the service, joined by Vice President JD Vance and a roster of administration officials including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Other speakers included Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, Donald Trump Jr., commentator Tucker Carlson, and White House aides Stephen Miller and Sergio Gor.
Contemporary Christian artists such as Chris Tomlin, Brandon Lake, Phil Wickham, and Kari Jobe Carnes with Cody Carnes provided musical interludes, evoking a megachurch vibe that resonated with the predominantly conservative audience.
Trump, addressing reporters en route, described the gathering as "a time of healing" while praising Kirk's role in energizing youth support for Republican causes through Turning Point USA.
The president's remarks were anticipated to frame Kirk as a pivotal figure in the conservative movement, underscoring his contributions to the 2024 election and broader cultural shifts on college campuses.
Attendees like Ken Skinner, who traveled from San Diego, expressed a mix of grief and resolve, noting how the event fostered unity among like-minded individuals.
Kirk's death on September 10, during a debate at Utah Valley University, has amplified concerns over escalating political violence in the United States.
A 22-year-old suspect, Tyler Robinson, faces murder charges after allegedly texting his partner that he had "enough of his hate," though authorities emphasize he acted alone.
The incident has fueled partisan clashes, with Trump attributing it to left-wing extremism and criticizing Democrats for opposing a House resolution honoring Kirk.
In a related escalation, ABC suspended late-night host Jimmy Kimmel indefinitely following backlash over his comments on the killing, prompting accusations from civil rights advocates of free speech suppression by the administration.
The State Department issued warnings about revoking visas for foreigners celebrating the assassination, while job losses among critics highlight the heated discourse.
Kirk's savvy mobilization of young voters via social media and campus events solidified his influence, extending even internationally, as noted by Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni.
As Turning Point USA transitions under Erika Kirk's guidance, the memorial underscored the enduring momentum of the conservative youth network he built.