GLENDALE, AZ (AZFamily/AP) — A memorial for late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated while speaking at a Utah university, began late Sunday morning at State Farm Stadium.
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.
Those close to Kirk prayed and the floors shook from the bass of Christian rock bands as the home of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals took on the feel of a megachurch service.
“Charlie looked at politics as an on-ramp to Jesus,” said the Rev. Rob McCoy, Kirk’s pastor.
Heavy traffic was reported in the West Valley early Sunday morning as thousands of people for the high-profile event. The parking lot opened at 7 a.m., doors opened shortly before 8 a.m., and the program began at 11 a.m.
President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, are scheduled to give remarks.
“We’re going to celebrate the life of a great man today,” said Trump, who told reporters he was bracing for a “tough day” as he left the White House for the service in Arizona.
Other scheduled speakers include Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. Donald Trump Jr., right-wing commentator Tucker Carlson and White House aides Stephen Miller and Sergio Gor are also set to speak.
The Glendale Police estimated over 100,000 people could be in attendance. State Farm Stadium seats up to 73,000 people for special events. Overflow seating was arranged at the nearby Desert Diamond Arena, which has a capacity of about 19,000 people.
“I think that this is going to change things, and I think he made such a difference,” said Crystal Herman, who traveled from Branson, Missouri. “He deserves us to be here.”
Photos of Kirk at work or with his wife were on easels throughout the concession areas of the main concourse level. Some people posed for photos next to them.
Memorial details
- Entry to the stadium is first-come, first-served.
- No bags allowed. Entry will be denied to guests carrying bags.
- All guests will go through security screening upon arrival.
- Parking at State Farm Stadium will be extremely limited. Attendees are strongly encouraged to carpool to the event and be prepared for delays. Parking is on a first-come, first-served basis. Do not park in adjacent neighborhoods or on road shoulders. Towing is enforced.
- No flowers or gifts should be brought to the stadium. All deliveries should be directed to TPUSA Headquarters.
- Click/tap here for a list of prohibited items.
The airspace around the stadium is also under a temporary flight restriction, which includes drones.
“Drone operators who enter the restricted areas without permission could face drone confiscation, fines and potential criminal prosecution,” the FBI’s Phoenix field office posted on social media.
While law enforcement agencies are tracking “several threats of unknown credibility,” federal officials report there is no evidence suggesting a “verified or credible plot against the event,” according to reports from CBS News.
In Arizona, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell released a statement, saying that she would defend the rights of people whether they choose to “mourn or protest peacefully.” She warned potential criminals that “anyone who chooses to break the law—through violence, destruction of property, or obstruction— will be held accountable.”
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Kirk co-founded the nonprofit political organization Turning Point USA, based in Arizona. He had been speaking at a debate hosted by Turning Point at Utah Valley University at the time of his assassination.
Two days after his death, authorities announced that Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested in connection with the deadly shooting on suspicion of capital murder, weapons and obstruction offenses.
Kirk was a controversial figure in a divisive time in American politics.
He was an advocate for free speech, challenging Big Tech and the media. Kirk frequently repeated false claims that former Vice President Kamala Harris was responsible for all illegal immigrants in the U.S. He called George Floyd a “scumbag.” Kirk held other culturally conservative views, including advocating for gun rights and condemning abortion.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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