US President Donald Trump praised Charlie Kirk, a slain right-wing activist, at a massive memorial service in Arizona, calling him a “great American hero” and “martyr”. The event, attended by nearly 100,000 mourners, including top Trump officials, was marked by strong Christian rhetoric and praise for Kirk’s advocacy for conservative Christian political values. Kirk, 31, was shot and killed on September 10 during a public debate event at a Utah university campus, with authorities charging 22-year-old Tyler Robinson with murder.
At the memorial service, Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, delivered a deeply religious speech, expressing forgiveness towards her husband’s alleged killer. “My husband Charlie, he wanted to save young men just like the one who took his life,” she said, her voice choking. “That man, that young man. I forgive him,” she continued, “I forgive him because it was what Christ did. And it’s what Charlie would do.” This gesture drew uproarious applause from the crowd.
However, Trump seemed to diverge from the tone of forgiveness in his speech, criticizing his opponents and stating that he couldn’t adopt the same approach of generosity towards those who opposed him. “I hate my opponents and I don’t want what’s best for them,” Trump said, adding “That’s where I disagree with Charlie! I’m sorry, Erika.” Despite this, Trump praised Kirk’s legacy, calling him “a martyr now for America’s freedom” and “a great of his generation”.
The memorial service highlighted the deepening political divide in America, with Kirk’s death sparking intense debate and recrimination. While conservatives hailed Kirk as a martyr, liberals criticized his rhetoric and accused the Trump administration of using the tragedy to justify crackdowns on civil liberties. The event was hosted by Turning Point USA, the hugely influential youth political campaign group founded by Kirk, which vowed to continue his mission and activism.
