The Turning Point USA founder will be honored in Arizona days after he was killed while speaking at a Utah university event.
High-ranking officials from President Donald Trump’s administration, Republican party, and prominent conservative influencers are expected to be in attendance.
What happened to Charlie Kirk?
Charlie Kirk was tragically shot on September 10 at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, during an event organized by his nonprofit political organization, Turning Point USA, as part of the “American Comeback Tour.” This marked the tour’s first stop after resuming.
At about 12:20 p.m. local time, a single shot was fired while Kirk was speaking to the audience. The 31-year-old instinctively reached for his neck with his right hand as attendees gasped and screamed, eventually dispersing in panic.
President Trump confirmed Kirk had died with a post on social media a little more than two hours later.
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us.,” the president stated on Truth Social. “Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”
Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old from Washington, Utah, was taken into custody two days following the incident. He now faces seven charges in state court related to the shooting.
Since Kirk’s passing, tributes have rolled in from politicians and fans of his work across the country.
Trump further declared he would confer the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Kirk posthumously and instructed that U.S. flags be flown at half-staff for several days in his honor.
After his death, Vice President JD Vance and his wife, second lady Usha Vance, flew to Utah and returned to Arizona with Kirk’s wife, Erika, and Kirk’s casket on Air Force Two. Vance also honored Kirk by hosting “The Charlie Kirk Show” on Sept. 15.
“Charlie Kirk was a true friend,” Vance wrote in a tribute online. “The kind of guy you could say something to and know it would always stay with him. I am on more than a few group chats with Charlie and people he introduced me to over the years. We celebrate weddings and babies, bust each other’s chops, and mourn the loss of loved ones.”
Charlie Kirk memorial
Charlie Kirk’s memorial will take place Sunday, Sept. 21 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The stadium can seat between 63,000 and 73,000 people. The event is first come, first served.
Doors will open at 8 a.m. and the memorial will start at 11 a.m. local time (2 p.m. Eastern).
READ MORE: Here are the speakers announced so far for Charlie Kirk’s memorial service
