About 90,000 people gathered at State Farm Stadium in Arizona on September 21, 2025, to honor Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist whose assassination stunned the nation. The massive turnout, along with nationwide livestreams, made the memorial one of the largest ever for a private citizen.
President Donald Trump delivered the keynote address, calling Kirk a patriot and a martyr for American freedom. His speech reflected both grief and determination, promising that justice would be served for Kirk’s death.
Trump recalled Kirk’s reported last words — “Please, sir, save Chicago” — framing them as a call to fight crime in America’s cities. The promise to continue that mission resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom viewed Kirk’s activism as unfinished work.
During the speech, Trump criticized local leaders for failing to stop urban violence. He argued that weak policies had allowed crime to thrive and pledged to confront the issue nationwide in Kirk’s memory.
The president also addressed Kirk’s family directly, offering condolences to his widow, Erika, and his parents. He praised their strength, faith, and resilience, acknowledging their role in carrying forward Kirk’s legacy.
Attention also turned to the circumstances of Kirk’s assassination. Trump confirmed that the suspect had been arrested and vowed continued investigations into radical groups suspected of promoting violence. He emphasized that the problem required not just policing but broader national action.
The scale of the memorial highlighted Kirk’s impact within the conservative movement. Leaders from across the country paid tribute, calling him a powerful voice who had inspired a generation of young activists.
Charlie Kirk, shot during a campus event on September 10, left behind a movement now more energized than ever. His death, while tragic, has amplified his legacy, uniting supporters in both grief and resolve.