(NewsNation) — Late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was killed earlier this month in Utah was honored during an hours-long memorial by most of the notable names in the Republican Party and President Donald Trump’s administration.
During the memorial Kirk’s widow Erika, in a tearful eulogy, praised the reaction by the activist’s supporters to turn towards faith over violence in the wake of his death. She told 80,000 people at State Farm Arena, along with the millions who watched on TV and online, that she forgave the man accused of killing her husband.
President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and numerous members of Trump’s cabinet spoke at the memorial, reflecting on Kirk’s impact, his mission and his faith.
Kirk, 31, was assassinated during a campus speaking event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10. The suspected gunman was arrested 33 hours later.
See posts from coverage of the service below:
Memorial largest political gathering since Obama’s 2008 speech: Vittert
Charlie Kirk’s memorial at State Farm Stadium in Arizona will be the largest political gathering since former President Barack Obama’s 2008 speech at the Broncos stadium in Denver, according to NewsNation’s Leland Vittert.
Worship music plays as memorial gets underway
Worship music has been playing in the hour leading up to the memorial as the crowd gathers.
Boebert on Kirk
Rep. Lauren Boebert told Leland Vittert that Kirk “is why I’m here today.”
She also credited Kirk for spreading the gospel and said the only way politics can work is if religion and government are intertwined and not kept separate.
The separation of church and state is mandated by the U.S. Constitution.
Spokesman calls it a ‘miracle’ that bullet didn’t injure others
Andrew Kolvet, who produced Kirk’s popular talk show, suggested the bullet’s failure to injure or kill others who were behind Kirk is cause for celebration.
Security is tight at Charlie Kirk memorial
Security for the service includes bullet-proof glass at the podium.
Mourners line up to remember Charlie Kirk
A line stretches outside the stadium where the memorial will be held.