GLENDALE, Ariz. — Tens of thousands of mourners have packed State Farm Stadium today for the memorial service of Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA who was fatally shot earlier this month at a Utah university.
Attendees, many dressed in red, white, and blue at the request of organizers, filled the lower tiers of the stadium by mid-morning. Families with young children and longtime supporters stood alongside each other, raising their hands in worship as Christian musicians performed on stage.
President Donald Trump is among the high-profile speakers, joined by members of his Cabinet and Vice President JD Vance. Officials say security is on the same level as the Super Bowl as officials prepared for the president’s arrival.
Kirk’s widow, Erika, is also expected to address the crowd. She has previously said she will continue her husband’s work at Turning Point USA. She described him as a loving husband and father, and said the organization would carry on in his name.
Meanwhile, the criminal case against 22-year-old Tyler Robinson is moving forward. Prosecutors charged him with aggravated murder, alleging he targeted Kirk for his political beliefs. They announced they will seek the death penalty, citing DNA evidence on the suspected weapon and a texted confession. Robinson also faces charges of obstruction of justice, witness tampering, and firearms violations.
The service, branded “Building a Legacy, Remembering Charlie Kirk,” is scheduled to start at 11 a.m. local time, or 2 p.m. ET, according to Turning Point USA.
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