At a memorial in Arizona on Sunday, supporters of slain US right-wing activist Charlie Kirk gathered to honor his life, with President Donald Trump describing him as “a martyr for American freedom.”
Kirk, 31, was killed on September 10 at a Utah university campus. Trump spoke to a crowd of nearly 65,000 people at the stadium event, paying tribute to Kirk’s influence on conservative youth.
Monica Mirelez, a nurse from Texas who attended the memorial, described Kirk as a “Christ martyr” and said she followed his videos daily. “He was a perfect example of what we should be doing as Christians — bold and outspoken,” she told AFP.
The crowd, dressed in red, white, and blue, greeted Trump and other speakers with chants of “USA! USA! USA!” Christian rock songs were performed between speeches, reinforcing the religious tone of the gathering.
Mirelez noted that Kirk’s political views reflected “biblical principles” and that he faced criticism for opposing LGBTQ policies. “He stood up for what he believed, and many misunderstood him,” she said.
Fifteen-year-old Nick Chisholm, a high school student, expressed shock at classmates who celebrated Kirk’s death. “Whatever he said, he didn’t deserve to be killed for his opinions and beliefs,” he said.
Top Trump advisor Stephen Miller addressed the audience, warning of a determined effort “to save this civilization, to save the West.” Attendees expressed solidarity and a sense of renewed activism in response to Kirk’s killing.
Welsley Inglis, a 61-year-old engineer from California, blamed the political left for cultural changes and praised Kirk for engaging young people with the church. “When I was a child, churches were filled. By the time I became an adult, churches were empty,” he said.
Some attendees, including 21-year-old Jeremy Schlotman, echoed Kirk’s widow Erika by expressing forgiveness toward the alleged shooter. “Kill one, and a thousand more will rise. We’re all Charlie Kirk now,” Schlotman said.
The memorial combined political messaging, religious symbolism, and personal tributes, reflecting the deep resonance Kirk had among conservative youth and his supporters nationwide.
