Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
“He did not hate his opponents, That’s where I disagreed with Charlie. I hate my opponents.”
“He did not hate his opponents, That’s where I disagreed with Charlie. I hate my opponents.”
What is happening?
In an extraordinary memorial service held at State Farm Stadium near Phoenix, tens of thousands gathered to honor Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist fatally shot on September 10.
The event resembled a political rally more than a traditional funeral, with music, prayer, and passionate speeches filling the arena.
Many attendees wore MAGA hats, waved American flags, and camped overnight to secure seats.
Trump hails Kirk as a “great American hero”
US President Donald Trump delivered the keynote speech, calling Kirk a “great American hero” and a “martyr for America’s freedom.”
Trump’s address was as much a tribute as it was political theatre, blending praise for Kirk with familiar themes of crime, the radical left, and partisan blame.
“None of us will ever forget Charlie,” he declared.
Erika Kirk offers grace and forgiveness
Kirk’s wife, Erika, delivered an emotional eulogy, stating she had forgiven the 22-year-old suspect, Tyler Robinson, accused of killing her husband.
“The answer to hate is not hate,” she said through tears. “I forgive him because it is what Christ did. It is what Charlie would do.”
Her words drew widespread praise and were seen as the most powerful moment of the day.
Trump rejects forgiveness message
In a striking moment, President Trump distanced himself from Erika’s message of forgiveness.
“I hate my opponent and I don’t want the best for them,” he said bluntly, before adding: “I’m sorry, Erika.”
With the comment, Trump did not only distance himself from Erika Kirk’s message of forgiveness, but also from Charlie Kirk’s philosophy of having dialogue with political opponents.
A who’s who of Conservative America
The five-hour memorial featured high-profile figures from Trump’s administration and the conservative world.
Speakers included Vice-President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
All emphasized Kirk’s legacy and framed his death as a catalyst for renewed conservative activism.
A stage for faith and politics
The stadium atmosphere mixed the fervor of a political rally with the devotion of a megachurch service.
Christian bands led singalongs, prayer echoed through the venue, and Kirk was praised as a champion of faith and free speech.
Speakers repeatedly described the 31-year-old as a martyr whose life—and death—will fuel a conservative “revival.”
Erika Kirk named CEO of Turning Point USA
In the wake of her husband’s death, Erika Kirk was announced as the new CEO of Turning Point USA, the youth-focused conservative group Kirk founded.
Vowing to carry on his work, she said, “These past 10 days, we didn’t see violence. We saw revival.”
Musk and Trump reconcile in a moment for Kirk
Among the more surprising moments of the event was Elon Musk’s presence.
Despite a public falling out with Trump earlier this year, the two were seen chatting and shaking hands.
Musk later posted a photo of the pair with the caption: “For Charlie.”
Political rhetoric amid mourning
While the event honored Kirk’s life, it also served as a launchpad for renewed political messaging.
Trump and others used the stage to attack the left, blame progressives for political violence, and promise a crackdown.
“Our enemies cannot comprehend our strength,” said White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller.
A legacy that deepens America’s divide
Charlie Kirk’s death has become a flashpoint in the nation’s ongoing culture wars. While some called for healing, others pointed fingers.
The Trump administration has cited the killing as justification for broader actions against the so-called “radical left,” fueling concerns about government overreach.
As the suspect awaits trial, Kirk’s legacy continues to shape—and polarize—American politics.
This article is made and published by Jens Asbjørn Bogen, which may have used AI in the preparation
