The US President Donald Trump described conservative activist Charlie Kirk as a «martyr for American freedom» during an emotional memorial service on September 21, pledging to continue his work while again blaming the «radical left» for his murder.
Trump’s remarks stood out for their sharply partisan tone.
«The violence comes largely from the left,» he declared without providing evidence, downplaying political violence from the right and contrasting with the more restrained tributes of other speakers. He added, «He did not hate his opponents. That’s where I disagreed with Charlie. I hate my opponents.»
Widow’s message of forgiveness
Kirk’s widow Erika struck a different note, saying her husband lived without regret and offered forgiveness to the 22-year-old student charged with his killing.
«My husband Charlie wanted to save young men, just like the one who took his life,» she said tearfully, receiving applause from the crowd.
Some speakers portrayed Kirk’s death as a rallying point for conservatives. White House adviser Stephen Miller delivered a fiery address, warning:
«You have no idea the dragon you have awakened. You have no idea how determined we will be to save this civilisation, to save the West, to save the republic.»
The service, held in a stadium with a capacity of 63,000, drew a packed audience, many arriving before dawn and dressed in MAGA attire. Christian rock performances gave the gathering the atmosphere of a megachurch service.
Vice President JD Vance credited Kirk with playing a decisive role in Trump’s re-election by mobilising young voters. Other senior figures, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, also paid tribute, reflecting Kirk’s political reach.
Rising fears of violence
Kirk, 31, was shot dead at a campus event in Utah while taking a question from an audience member. The alleged gunman, a 22-year-old student, has been charged, though investigators have not confirmed a motive. Messages found on bullet casings are still being examined.
Kirk’s supporters celebrated him as a defender of conservative values and free speech, while critics accused him of promoting racist, anti-immigrant, transphobic and misogynistic views. His killing has intensified fears about political violence across the United States and widened partisan divides.
During her remarks, Gabbard linked the murder to a wider pattern of fanaticism.
«They kill and terrorise their opponents, hoping to silence them,» she said. «But in trying to silence Charlie, his voice is now louder than ever.»
The memorial ended with Erika Kirk joining Trump on stage as «America the Beautiful» played to a standing ovation.
Kursiv also reports that Charlie Kirk makes a brief but unexpected posthumous appearance in a new documentary released only nine days after his assassination.
