Share this @internewscast.com

Video above: Crowds gather to attend Charlie Kirk memorial, hours before doors open.

(NEXSTAR) — Supporters are anticipated to converge in Arizona on Sunday to honor Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist who was tragically murdered in Utah earlier this month. This commemorative event, organized by Kirk’s Turning Point USA, is free to attend and is likely to attract tens of thousands of supporters and mourners.

Kirk, aged 31, was shot dead while delivering a speech at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on September 10. A 22-year-old resident of Utah is currently facing charges related to his death.

The memorial service on Sunday will be held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, just outside Phoenix, where Turning Point USA is headquartered.

Doors are set to open at 8 a.m. MT (11 a.m. ET) with the program beginning at 11 a.m. MT (2 p.m. ET). By Saturday night, eager attendees were already queuing outside the stadium.

A live stream of the service will be carried live in the video player above.

President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other notable figures from the Republican Party are expected to attend on Sunday. Alongside Trump and Vance, scheduled speakers include Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, Donald Trump Jr., conservative commentator Tucker Carlson, and White House aides Stephen Miller and Sergio Gor.

Slideshow: Supporters pay tribute to Charlie Kirk

Renowned worship leader Chris Tomlin will deliver music, accompanied by other prominent figures in contemporary Christian music, such as Brandon Lake, Phil Wickham, and the husband-and-wife duo Kari Jobe Carnes and Cody Carnes.

Kirk’s widow, who has been named Turning Point’s new leader, also will speak. Erika Kirk pledged in an emotional speech days after his death that “the movement my husband built will not die.”

Attendees, who had to register ahead of time to attend, have been encouraged to wear their “Sunday best – red, white, or blue,” according to Turning Point. The organization also warned of enhanced security measures, including “TSA-level screening.”

On Friday, police arrested an armed man at State Farm Stadium, saying he was “exhibiting suspicious behavior.” The 42-year-old allegedly “falsely claimed to be a member of law enforcement and stated that he was armed,” when approached by the Secret Service. He was then charged with impersonating a law enforcement officer and carrying a weapon into a prohibited place.

However, Andrew Kolvet, an executive producer for “The Charlie Kirk Show,” said Saturday that the man was doing advance security for a guest of the memorial service, The Hill reported.

“We do not believe this person was attempting anything nefarious, however the advance was not done in proper coordination with the TPUSA security team or US Secret Service,” Kolvet wrote.

Kirk’s legacy of conservative political influence

Turning Point, the group Kirk founded to mobilize young Christian conservatives, became a multimillion-dollar operation under his leadership with enormous reach.

The tens of thousands expected to fill the stadium in Glendale for Kirk’s memorial is a testament to the massive influence he accumulated in conservative America.

Kirk was a provocateur who at times made statements that some called racist, misogynistic, anti-immigrant and transphobic. That has drawn backlash from conservatives who view the criticism as cherry-picking a few select moments to insult the legacy they see of an inspirational conservative leader.

Kirk was a MAGA celebrity with a loyal following that turned out to support or argue with him as he traveled the country for the events like the one at Utah Valley University, where he was fatally shot. Kirk grew the organization, in large part, through the force of his personality and debating chops.

Arizona is the adopted home state of Kirk, who grew up outside Chicago and founded Turning Point there before moving the organization to Phoenix. Vance, who has said Kirk’s advocacy was a big reason Trump picked him to serve as vice president, transported Kirk’s casket from Utah to Arizona aboard Air Force Two the day after his death, and he later served as a guest host of Kirk’s podcast.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Ex-Jets Star Seeks Kidney Donor: Urgent Public Appeal for Help

For users seeking the best browsing experience, it is important to note…

Woman Faces Charges After Allegedly Distributing Cooler Containing Fetus

In Pulaski County, Missouri, a woman faces charges after allegedly giving her…

Democrats Criticize Delay in Swearing-In of Newly Elected Rep. Grijalva

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…

O’Hare Airport Air Traffic Controllers Protest Potential Closure

CHICAGO (WGN) – On Tuesday, some air traffic controllers at O’Hare Airport…

Numerous Airports Decline to Show Kristi Noem’s Video Criticizing Democrats for Government Shutdown

Several airports nationwide have refused to display a video in which Homeland…

4,270-Year-Old Skull Discovered in Indiana

Internet Explorer 11 is not supported on this site. For the best…

Government Shutdown Highlights Flaws in US Aviation System

An unexpected announcement came through the radio from an air traffic control…

Jonesborough Marks Three Years of Successful Water Service Partnership with a Community Celebration

JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. — The town of Jonesborough is marking a milestone as…

Bryan Kohberger Faces Challenges in Prison: Insights from Steve Goncalves

The father of Kaylee Goncalves, one of four University of Idaho students…

China-U.S. Trade Dispute Worsens as Bessent Declares U.S. Autonomy

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer remarked on Wednesday that China’s new restrictions…

Equine Therapy Center Relocates to Decatur

DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — A nonprofit which provides therapy — with the…

Top Rice Brand Initiates National Recall: FDA Alert

NEW YORK (WPIX) — A popular brand of rice has been recalled…