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A massive public memorial honoring conservative activist Charlie Kirk is underway in Glendale, Arizona, following his fatal shooting at a Utah university earlier this month. The event, held at State Farm Stadium, has drawn tens of thousands of mourners and features appearances from top Trump administration officials.
What to Know:
President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and five Cabinet members are scheduled to speak at the service.
Although more than 200,000 people expressed interest in attending, the stadium’s expanded capacity tops out at 73,000. Nearby Desert Diamond Arena will host an additional 19,000 guests.
Kirk’s widow, Erika, now leading Turning Point USA, will speak at the memorial. She has pledged to continue her husband’s legacy and described the loss as “anguishing.”
Mourners began lining up before sunrise, with many camping overnight to secure a spot.
Scheduled speakers include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller.
Before departing for Arizona, Trump called it a “tough day” and said the service would celebrate “the life of a great man.”
The memorial is being livestreamed via Kirk’s Rumble account, beginning at 11 a.m. ET. Watch it here first.
Stay with Newsweek for the latest.
11:43 AM EDT
Turning Point USA sees surge in Chapter interest following Charlie Kirk’s death
Interest in joining Turning Point USA has skyrocketed in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, with the organization reporting more than 37,000 inquiries from individuals hoping to launch new chapters.
Spokesman Andrew Kolvet confirmed the spike last week, noting that the response has been “truly incredible.” The conservative youth group currently operates around 900 university chapters and 1,200 high school chapters nationwide.
Kolvet said Kirk’s long-term goal of establishing a Club America chapter in every U.S. high school—roughly 23,000 schools—now appears closer than ever.
11:37 AM EDT
Utah Valley University hosts vigil honoring Charlie Kirk
Utah Valley University held a “Vigil for Unity” on Friday evening to honor Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist who was fatally shot on campus during a Turning Point USA event earlier this month.
Thousands of students and community members filled the UCCU Center auditorium for the solemn gathering, which featured remarks from religious leaders, university officials, and a performance by the Utah Valley Interfaith Choir.
University President Astrid Tuminez addressed the crowd, calling the assassination a profound blow to the institution’s core values. “This attack was not just on an individual, but on the spirit of free expression, civil discourse, and intellectual inquiry,” she said.
11:34 AM EDT
Charlie Kirk Memorial attendance surges past 200,000 registrations
Officials in Glendale, Arizona, say turnout for Charlie Kirk’s memorial service may exceed 200,000—doubling earlier projections. The figure, confirmed by police spokesperson Jose Santiago, reflects registrations submitted through Turning Point USA’s website.
The surge far surpasses available seating. State Farm Stadium, the primary venue, holds over 63,000 and can expand to accommodate roughly 73,000. Nearby Desert Diamond Arena, designated as an overflow site, adds space for another 19,000 attendees.
11:32 AM EDT
Lively mood inside the arena
From Newsweek reporter on the ground in Arizona, Mandy Taheri.
The atmosphere at Charlie Kirk’s memorial in Glendale, Arizona, is anything but mournful. Thousands have gathered not in grief, but in unity—dressed in red, white, and blue, with MAGA hats, sundresses, and a palpable sense of purpose.
Despite long lines for entry and amenities, attendees remain calm and resolute, embracing the wait as part of the moment. The crowd exudes a collective energy rooted in faith and a shared feeling of injustice, with many describing the event as spiritually charged rather than solemn.
Soulful Christian worship music fills the stadium, loud and unrelenting.
11:21 AM EDT
IN PICTURES: A look inside the stadium as the memorial is soon to start
11:18 AM EDT
Suspect in Charlie Kirk killing faces aggravated murder charge, death penalty sought
Prosecutors have formally charged Tyler Robinson, 22, in connection with the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, announcing their intent to pursue the death penalty.
According to court filings, Robinson allegedly targeted Kirk based on his political views. Investigators cited DNA evidence found on the suspected weapon and a text message confession as key elements in the case.
In addition to aggravated murder, Robinson faces six other charges, including obstruction of justice for allegedly hiding the firearm and destroying clothing worn during the shooting. He is also charged with felony discharge of a firearm, committing a violent act in the presence of a child, and two counts of witness tampering for instructing a roommate to delete incriminating texts and avoid cooperating with police.
11:15 AM EDT
Trump departs for Charlie Kirk Memorial, calls it a ‘tough day’
President Donald Trump departed the White House this morning en route to Glendale, Arizona, where he will speak at the public memorial service for conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Before boarding Marine One, Trump addressed reporters briefly, reflecting on the emotional weight of the day. “We’re going to celebrate the life of a great man today,” he said. “It will be a tough day.”
11:13 AM EDT
Charlie Kirk Memorial draws top officials, faith leaders and thousands of mourners
A public memorial service for Kirk is being held in Glendale, Arizona, drawing a slate of high-profile speakers and performers. Turning Point USA organized the event.
Erika Kirk, his widow and newly appointed leader of Turning Point USA, is expected to deliver remarks alongside President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. The service will also feature speeches from senior administration officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.
Additional speakers include White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, Director of Personnel Sergio Gor, as well as media figures Tucker Carlson and Donald Trump Jr.
Worship will be led by prominent Christian artists Chris Tomlin, Brandon Lake, Phil Wickham, Kari Jobe Carnes, and Cody Carnes. Musical tributes will also include performances by Lee Greenwood and Steve Amerson.
11:10 AM EDT
WATCH: Thousands of Charlie Kirk supporters head to memorial service before sunrise