Family, friends, and supporters will gather this Sunday to honor the life of Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old conservative activist whose sudden death shocked the nation. The memorial, organized by Turning Point USA, comes nearly two weeks after Kirk was fatally shot at an event on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. His death has left a profound mark on the conservative community and sparked an outpouring of grief and remembrance online and across the country.
Kirk is survived by his wife, Erika, and their two young children. In the official memorial program, Turning Point USA described his impact in stirring terms: “Though our hearts are heavy, we do not grieve as those without hope. Charlie’s legacy endures in his family, in Turning Point USA and Turning Point Action, and in the millions he inspired to live with conviction.”
For those looking to pay their respects or follow the ceremony, here’s what you need to know.
Where and When the Memorial Will Take Place
The memorial will be held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, famously home to the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals. While Kirk grew up in Illinois, he spent much of his adult life in nearby Scottsdale, forging strong ties with the Arizona community.
Doors will open at 8 a.m. local time, and the official program will begin at 11 a.m. Arizona is three hours behind Eastern Time during the summer, a key detail for anyone planning to watch remotely or travel in from other states.
Public Attendance and Logistics
Anyone hoping to attend must first register on Turning Point USA’s website. Attendance will be on a first-come, first-served basis, with the stadium capable of holding over 63,000 people. For those unable to secure space inside State Farm Stadium, overflow seating will be offered at Desert Diamond Arena, just next door, home of the Indoor Football League’s Arizona Rattlers.
Parking will be free, and attendees are encouraged to carpool. The event will feature enhanced security, meaning lines may be longer than usual. Turning Point USA has asked guests to dress in their Sunday best, specifically in red, white, or blue, as a tribute to Kirk and his patriotic message.
A Who’s Who of Speakers
Charlie Kirk was not just a conservative activist; he was a trusted advisor and ally of the White House. He played a key role in guiding former President Donald Trump’s choice of Vice President J.D. Vance and in organizing the Trump-Vance campaign’s ground operations for the 2024 election. His influence extended across the political landscape, and his death has been felt deeply within the administration.
Several high-profile figures are scheduled to speak at the memorial. President Donald Trump, Vice President Vance, and Vance’s wife, Second Lady Usha Vance, will attend. The couple flew to Salt Lake City shortly after Kirk’s death to meet with his family and then accompanied his casket to Phoenix aboard Air Force Two.
Other speakers include White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, Donald Trump Jr., conservative commentator Tucker Carlson, White House deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller, and U.S. Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs Sergio Gor. Their participation underscores the high regard in which Kirk was held among key conservative figures.
Erika Kirk to Take the Stage
Kirk’s widow, Erika, will speak during the service, marking her first public remarks since her husband’s death. On Friday, she told supporters, “To everyone listening tonight across America, the movement my husband built will not die.”
In a significant development, Turning Point USA announced that Erika Kirk has been named the organization’s new CEO and chair of the board. The decision follows Charlie’s prior conversations with executives, where he reportedly expressed his wish for Erika to lead in the event of his death.
The Status of the Criminal Case
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Kirk’s shooting. Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old, was arrested on September 11 and faces multiple charges, including aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, obstruction of justice, witness tampering, and committing a violent offense in the presence of a child.
Utah County Attorney General Jeff Gray has announced that the state will seek the death penalty, signaling that the case will be pursued with the utmost seriousness. The ongoing legal proceedings add a layer of tension and public interest to the memorial, as many hope for justice alongside honoring Kirk’s life.
Charlie Kirk’s passing has stirred a mix of grief, anger, and reflection among conservatives and the wider public alike. This weekend, State Farm Stadium will become a gathering point for thousands to celebrate a life that, though tragically cut short, left a lasting imprint on the political and cultural landscape. As speakers share memories and Erika Kirk steps into her new role, the event promises to be both a tribute and a reaffirmation of the movement Charlie built.
