Thousands of people gathered in Arizona on Sunday for a memorial service, honoring Orthodox activist Charlie Kirk, who was killed during a campus event in Utah earlier this month.
The event was held at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Eries. Draw dozens Along with thousands of supporters along with officials of Trump administration, GOP MPs and prominent conservatives. Speakers Refung on Kirk’s life And inheritance and paths at a point of moving stress.
There are five takeaments here.
Trump bowed into politics
While on Sunday, most speakers were focused on Kirk’s legacy, his faith and the movement that he helped to make, President Trump Not away Political division has been increased in some ways since Kirk’s death.
“He did not hate his opponents, he wanted the best for him,” said Trump. “This is the place where I disagreed with Charlie. I hate my opponents, and I don’t want the best for them. Forgive me.”
Trump mentioned at one point that Kirk referred to his political rivals as “leftist”, stating that he preferred the term “radical left” or “radical-left lunetics”.
The President’s comment is often in the political field that resembles a campaign speech. Trump spoke about an announcement plans about autism on Monday. He claimed that in the 2020 election, Democrats “cheated like dogs”, which Trump lost. He made fun of former President Biden. And he postponed the tariff imposed after assuming office.
Kirk’s death has shattered one Latest discussion Calls about rising political violence and to reduce temperature from some MPs. But those efforts have already been spit as a trump administration. Threatens to crack down It is disgusting on speech and Democrats has argued Kirk’s death Should not be unclear He said more inflammatory things.
Vice President Vance accepted the increased tension during his comment.
“In view of his death, we have seen some of the worst parts of humanity,” Vance said. “We have seen that people slander him. We have seen that people justify his murder and celebrate his death. I know that it is made [me] Angry, as it has made you angry. But in these moments it is easy to see only the worst in our fellow man. ,
Erica Kirk Steps into National Spotlight
Erica Kirk became a domestic name in the days since her husband was killed at Utah Valley University, and her comment on Sunday was her most important appearance.
Kirk shed tears from her eyes during her comment and broke at one point when she said He forgives the suspect Who shot and killed her husband.
She spoke in length about her husband’s mission and that religion was central to her family.
“I love you Charlie, Baby. And I will feel proud of you,” Kirk said at the end of his about 25 -minute speech, Rapturus earned applause.
And she vowed to pursue her husband’s work, which she said that the focus was on persuading the youth who killed Charlie Kirk.
Turning Point USA The board voted last week Her husband installed Erica Kirk to make the next CEO of the organization.
“The world needs turning point USA. It needs a group that will indicate young people away from the path of sorrow and sin,” Kirk said, will continue to continue the campus events. “For this, there is something that takes people away from hell in this world and in the next. It is the need of youth indicated in the direction of truth and beauty.”
“And so I promise you today, every part of our work will be more,” Kirk said.
Trump administration represented well
The White House flew two planes filled with employees, MPs and administration officials for the Charlie Kirk’s memorial, showing how closely the user of the turning point USA as the founder of the USA with the Trump administration.
State Secretary Marco Rubio, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Junior All spoke. The White House Chief of Staff Susie Wils, who rarely make public comments, gave a brief but emotional address.
“Our entire administration is here,” said Vance. “Not only because we love Charlie as a friend, even if we did, but because we know that we will not be here without him.”
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller warned political enemies that they had awakened a movement that they could not understand, and that Kirk would be “immortal”.
“You felt that you could kill Charlie Cancer? You have made him immortal,” Miller said. “You have immortalized Charlie Kirk and now millions will be taken to his legacy.”
Sergio Gore, a long time Trump’s associate, stated that Kirk was “all trump” and “embodied Maga.”
Gor, former director of the President’s personnel, said, “Charlie adopted the spirit of Maga. Always fight for America, never back down.”
And Gabbard said that Kirk’s legacy was a reflection of free speech and the importance of free debate, comment which was standing out at one time when the administration is facing backlash from the left and the right to attempt to punish the speech is not liked by Kirk’s death.
“Free speech is a foundation of our Democratic Republic. We should protect all its costs, because without it, we will be lost,” Gabard said. “Charlie knew this. He was living it.”
Speakers insisted on Kirk’s faith, spiritual fight
Kirk’s faith was central for his life, and after the speaker on Sunday, the speaker implemented it and what comes forward as a spiritual battle.
President Trump said that Kirk was a “martyr”. Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson said Kirk “was bringing gospel to the country.” Turning point USA spokesman Andrew Coalwet called Kirk as “Prophet”.
A right -wing commentator Jack Posobiec asked the attendees to “place the full armor of God and face evil in front of us in the spiritual war.”
And conservative commentator Beni Johnson referred to a Bible to suggest that the Trump administration was given the power to “eradicate the sword for the terror of wicked men” by God.
Johnson said, “We want to thank the administration for being here and to run the divine mission against evil,” Johnson said.
The monument unite the groups of the orthodox movement
Sunday’s program showed many guests, which was unlikely to be in the same room in another meeting, perhaps apart from the Republican National Convention.
Carlson, former Fox News Hosts, who have been important for the foreign policy of Trump administration many times, were among those who talked about their relationship with Kirk.
Posobiec, a fringe figure that was at the center of the “pizagate” conspiracy theory, was also given a speaking slot.
Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk was in attendance And during the memorial, a private suite was seen at a point sitting with Trump. Musk had increased the possibility of starting a new political party in view of his bitter collapse with Trump White House.
Dana White, CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, was also in appearance and was spotted along with Trump.
And the director of National Intelligence and a former Democrat, Gabard also had a speech slot.
“It is like a revival of an old -time, isn’t it?” Trump said.
