President Trump called Kirk "immortal" and speakers called him a "martyr."
President Donald Trump praised Charlie Kirk as a "great American hero" and "martyr" for freedom as he and other prominent conservatives gathered Sunday evening to honor the slain conservative political activist whose work they say they must now advance.
The memorial service for Kirk, whom Trump credits with playing a pivotal role in his 2024 election victory, drew tens of thousands of mourners, including Vice President JD Vance, other senior administration officials and young conservatives shaped by the 31-year-old firebrand.
Speakers highlighted Kirk's profound faith and his strong belief that young conservatives need to get married, build families and pass on their values to keep building their movement. They also repeatedly told conservative activists, sometimes in confrontational tones, that the best way to honor Kirk was doubling down on his mission to move American politics further to the right.
Kirk founded Turning Point USA at age 18 and rose to become one of the most prominent conservative voices in the country. His influence, particularly with young people, helped propel Trump to office. But some of his comments on gun violence, LGBTQ issues, race and more often drew criticism from liberals and others.
ABC News and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
Erika Kirk said her husband, Charlie Kirk, "Wanted to save young men just like the one who took his life."
"The answer to hate is not hate," Erika Kirk said.
She said she forgives Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old suspect who was charged for allegedly killing Charlie Kirk.
"That young man, I forgive him," she said as she was holding back tears.
Erika Kirk said in her remarks that the "greatest cause in Charlie's life was trying to revive the American family."
"When he spoke to young people, he was always eager to tell them about God's vision for marriage and how if they could just dare to live it out, it would enrich every part of their life in the same way that it enriched ours," she said.
She then shared personal stories of their marriage, saying she was his "closest and most trusted adviser, his best friend."
Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk, wiped tears from her eyes as she began addressing the thousands of people gathered at State Farm Stadium.
"I bless all of you for coming here from all over the world to honor and celebrate my Charlie," she said.
While speaking at the memorial service, she gave a glimpse into the moment when she saw Charlie Kirk's body on Sept. 10, saying she experienced a "level of heartache I didn't even know existed."
She said she saw the "faintest smile" on his lips, telling her that "Charlie didn't suffer" and that there was no "fear" or "agony" when he died.
Vice President JD Vance said "they tried to silence our dear friend Charlie Kirk" but at the conservative activist's memorial service, "we speak for Charlie louder than ever."
Vance said Kirk would "encourage me to be honest that evil walks among us" but he would want people to "focus on the good."
"America was his home and he was willing to die for it," Vance said.
Vance added that Kirk "exemplified kindness, courage and a commitment to open debate" and was a "great American leader."
"Now our whole administration is here but not just because we love Charlie as a friend, even though we did, but because we know we wouldn't be here without him. Charlie built an organization that reshaped the balance of our politics," Vance said.
He described Tyler Robinson, the suspect who was charged for allegedly killing Kirk, as an "evil murderer" and said that after Kirk's death, "we have seen the very worst parts of our humanity."
