Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old conservative public intellectual described by many as the Godfather of campus MAGA-ness, was eulogized on Wednesday after his miraculous death on September 10. His legacy will be as much for his incendiary podcasting antics as they will for his work as a “youth whisperer.” Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, has been a huge influence on young conservatives in our nation. His organization promotes active conservative values and empowers young people to make them a reality. Prosecutors called his murder an extraordinary act of political violence. This incident raised red flags around the deepening racial and political chasm within the U.S.
More than 50,000 attendees packed into State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, to celebrate the life of this icon. They still united to celebrate Kirk’s life and rejoice in his legacy. The new service was scheduled to start at 11 a.m. local time, 2 p.m. ET. High profile speakers, like former President Donald Trump and Senator JD Vance offered their sympathies and memories of Kirk’s enormous influence.
Front and center, Donald Trump, a major Kirk ally. As a leading light of the conservative movement, he underscored the value of the day.
“We’re here to celebrate the life of a great man. Really a great man. A young man. We look forward to it. That something like this could’ve happened is not even believable. Will be a very interesting day. A very tough day.” – Donald Trump
The air of the service was charged with an atmosphere of awe, gratitude and contemplation. We all came to see Kirk’s special talent for reaching young people. As speakers took to the podium, they highlighted not just Kirk’s political influence but his personal qualities that endeared him to many.
From Senator JD Vance’s eulogy for his best friend, Ohio Congressman Mike Turner, who succumbed to cancer.
“Last week, we brought my dear friend Charlie Kirk home one last time. Today, we return to Arizona to remember Charlie and honor his sacrifice. May he eternally rest in peace, and may God watch over Erika and their beautiful children.” – JD Vance
Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, now leads Turning Point USA as she navigates her husband’s untimely passing. In a moving speech at the memorial, she pledged to work every day to continue his legacy.
“They have no idea what they just ignited within this wife.” – Erika Kirk
The details of Charlie Kirk’s troubling death have riled up angry commenters from all sides of the aisle. Tyler Robinson, 22, has been charged with aggravated murder and multiple other counts in connection with the incident. To underscore the severity of the case, prosecutors have announced from the outset that they will seek the death penalty. This massive assault has led to common outrage from Republicans and Democrats alike. Their collective denunciation points to a swelling concern over what seems to be an ascendance of political violence.
“The sound of this widow weeping [echoes] throughout this world like a battle cry.” – Erika Kirk
Charlie Kirk had never held elected office. He wielded considerable influence due to his showmanship and his ability to resonate with a base that values patriotism, populism, and Christian nationalism. The energy surrounding his rise to the political arena made him an indispensable figure to the rise of new right conservatism, especially amongst younger conservatives.
The stunning home of the Arizona Cardinals welcomed hundreds of thousands of attendees. They had united to both mourn and celebrate Kirk’s many contributions. One of the local speakers at the interfaith memorial service commented on the importance of this unusual collective memorial.
Kirk’s untimely death shines a harsh light on a dark trend in American society. This troubling trend is exacerbated by growing polarization, resulting in rising levels of hatred and fear. Elected officials from both sides of the political aisle are coming together to remember him. Together, they bear the collective hope that we can do more to prevent acts of violence.
“Today hundreds of thousands of people are gathering at State Farm Stadium in Arizona to remember and honor the life of Charlie Kirk. Simultaneously what is really happening is a revival. Through Charlie, people are meeting Jesus. Welcome to church!”
Kirk’s untimely death underscores a troubling trend in American society—one marked by deepening divides that have led to violence and fear. As leaders from various political backgrounds come together to honor his memory, there is a collective hope that such acts of violence can be curtailed.