Charlie Kirk memorial live blog: Memorial ends with Trump bringing Kirk’s widow back on stage

PHOENIX — The potentially Super Bowl-sized memorial for conservative political activist Charlie Kirk is set to begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday from Glendale’s State Farm Stadium.

The doors opened at 8 a.m. for a crowd that’s expected to reach and possibly eclipse 100,000.

President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance will headline a long list of event speakers as the country mourns and remembers the legacy of Kirk.

Follow along with a live blog of the public memorial “Building a Legacy: Remembering Charlie Kirk.”

Charlie Kirk memorial proceedings

President Trump ends the ceremony bringing Erika Kirk back to the stage – 4:10 p.m.

Erika Kirk seeks comfort in President Donald Trump at the end of the memorial for Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. pic.twitter.com/YQjodq8QaZ

— KTAR News 92.3 (@KTAR923) September 21, 2025

President Trump begins his speech in honor of Charlie Kirk – 3:28 p.m.

The President says faith will be brought back to the United States "like never before."

President Trump continues to say Kirk has changed history. pic.twitter.com/InpaiF4vDY

— Balin Overstolz (@balin_om) September 21, 2025

“He did what was right for our nation,” Trump said.

“Our greatest evangelist for American liberty became immortal. He’s a martyr now for American freedom.”

“No words can fill the void that he has left behind.”

Lee Greenwood introduces President Donald Trump to the stage – 3:25 p.m.

Erika Kirk takes the stage – 2:55 p.m.

“God bless all of you for coming here from all over the world to honor and celebrate my Charlie,” she said.

Kirk said the doctors told her that, “even if he was shot in the operating room itself, there was nothing that could be done.”

“After Charlie’s death, we didn’t see rioting, we didn’t see looting. Instead we saw what my husband always saw in this country. We saw revival.”

“Charlie died with incomplete work, but not with unfinished business.”

Vice President J.D. Vance takes the stage – 2:32 p.m.

Crowd reaction VP Vance coming out. pic.twitter.com/wworb5404u

— Balin Overstolz (@balin_om) September 21, 2025

“Tonight we speak with Charlie and for Charlie louder than ever,” said Vance.

“We have had a revival in celebration of Charlie Kirk and his Lord Jesus Christ.”

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks at Charlie Kirk memorial – 2:10 p.m.

RJK Jr. says we need to have a more peaceful discourse in the U.S.

Overall, he kept his remarks pretty to the point. pic.twitter.com/81Qt0LVj71

— Balin Overstolz (@balin_om) September 21, 2025

“Charlie’s overarching passion was his Christianity and his devotion to his God. He believed what Saint Francis taught us over 1,000 years ago. We should strive to live our lives in perfect imitation of Christ. We should turn every day, and every moment and every interaction into a prayer,” Kennedy Jr. said.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth takes the stage – 2:05 p.m.

“Charlie Kirk: a patriot, a conservative, a leader, a builder, an advocate, an author, a lover of freedom. A husband, a father, a Christian and a warrior,” Hegseth called Kirk.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio takes the stage – 1:55 p.m.

“He (Kirk) led this movement, but he did so with incredible knowledge,” said Rubio.

“He actively sought out to engage, personally and peacefully, with the people he disagreed with.”

Tulsi Gabbard, National Intelligence Director, takes the stage – 1:50 p.m.

“For those who opposed him, he invited them to his stage, to his table and said to them, ‘let’s talk,'” she said.

“In Charlie, he sincerely wanted people to know the truth because its the truth that sets us free. Its the truth that keeps us free.”

“Those who speak of God, those who speak truths, simple, objective truths like there are only two genders, they are told ‘you have no voice,'” she added.

Political commentator Tucker Carlson takes the stage – 1:37 p.m.

“Charlie was a political person who deeply believed in coalition and in getting the right people in office because he knew vast improvements were possible politically. But he also knew that politics is not the final answer and it can’t answer the deepest questions and that the only real solution is Jesus,” Carlson said.

Susie Wiles, White House Chief of Staff – 1:35 p.m.

“(Charlie Kirk) built the most powerful youth movement of our time,” said Wiles.

Stephen Miller, White House Deputy Chief of Staff speaks – 1:30 p.m.

“You can not terrify us, you cannot threaten us,” Miller said.

Sergio Gor, White House Office of Presidential Personnel Director speaks – 1:20 p.m. 

“Charlie led with his faith and fought with his heart,” Gor, ambassador to India nominee, said.

A second Kirk remembrance video played with family featured – 1:10 p.m.

“It takes no skill to be courageous,” Kirk said in the video.

Intermission from speakers with Christian band on stage – 12:58 p.m.

President Trump shown on big screen at State Farm Stadium, clapping and waving – 12:56 p.m.

President Trump is in the building, first indicated by a sudden burst of cheering from attendees.

Won’t be able to make him out in this picture, but he’s there! @KTAR923 pic.twitter.com/2E4aJWWq5T

— Balin Overstolz (@balin_om) September 21, 2025

Frank Turek, Christian author and commentator speaks – 12:48 p.m.

“The only thing that surpassed Charlie’s intellect was his humility,” Turek said.

He said that Kirk was “like a son to me.”

Jack Posobiec, political activist speaks – 12:41 p.m.

“We will never forget the name of Charlie Kirk,” Posobiec said.

“The true word for what Charlie did is sacrifice.”

U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida speaks – 12:34 p.m.

“Today, we honor a patriot. … Charlie pour out his youth…to wake the youth out of complacency,” Paulina Luna said.

Dr. Ben Carson, former Secretary of Housing & Urban Development speaks – 12:30 p.m.

“Get on board of the revival that is coming,” Carson encouraged the audience while referencing that Kirk’s wife, Erika, will be taking over Turning Point USA.

President Trump arrives at State Farm Stadium – 12:22 p.m.

Benny Johnson, conservative commentator and YouTuber speaks – 12:21 p.m.

“Evil thought there would be a funeral today. God has created a revival in this house, right now,” Johnson said.

“Charlie Kirk is a martyr. He is a martyr in the true Christian tradition.”

Andrew Kolvet, Turning Point USA spokesperson speaks – 12:13 p.m.

“It’s been excruciating to do this show over the last week, but we know it’s what Charlie would have wanted,” Kolvet said.

“Whether you agree or disagree, we want you to keep sending us those emails,” Kolvet said of the public’s response to his and Kirk’s regular debates and Turning Point programming.

Charlie Kirk remembrance video plays for crowd – 12:10 p.m. 

Stacy Sheridan, Turning Point senior advancement director speaks – 12:06 p.m.

“Family first,” Sheridan said of Kirk’s response to whenever she felt her work wasn’t up to par.

“Charlie, we will miss your words of wisdom … I promise we will make TPUSA so big that it reaches you in heaven.”

President Trump lands at Luke Air Force Base – 12:05 p.m.

Justin Streiff, Turning Point CDO speaks – 12:00 p.m.

“Courage requires a personal decision. … Charlie simply refused to let fear stop him,” Streiff said.

Tyler Bowyer, Turning Point COO speaks – 11:53 a.m.

“We had a lot in common. I didn’t like rhinos. Charlie didn’t like rhinos,” Bower tried to keep things light.

“He always said to me, if we could just figure out how to bring the Holy Spirit into a Trump rally. … I think you’ve done it.”

Turning Point Action CEO Tyler Bowyer delivers remarks honoring Charlie Kirk at his memorial inside State Farm Stadium. @tylerbowyer pic.twitter.com/A9DsX6TLdG

— KTAR News 92.3 (@KTAR923) September 21, 2025

CEO of Turning Point Action, Tyler Bowyer, refers to the event as a Trump rally.

“He always said to me, if we could just figure out how to bring the Holy Spirit into a Trump rally…I think you’ve done it.” pic.twitter.com/b5B3uC8KP3

— Balin Overstolz (@balin_om) September 21, 2025

Mikey McCoy, former chief of staff to Charlie Kirk speaks; Turning Point USA COO Tyler Bowyer joins on stage – 11:48 a.m.

“Here I am. Never surrender. Freedom,” McCoy referenced some of Kirk’s famous sayings.

Larry Arnn, Hillsdale College president speaks – 11:43 a.m.

“If you want to grow you have to suffer,” Arnn recalled telling a 19-year-old Kirk.

Rebecca Dunn of Dunn Foundation speaks – 11:38 a.m.

“Charlie Kirk was scheduled to speak at my husband’s memorial. Instead, I’m speaking at Charlie’s memorial,” Dunn said in her opening remarks.

National anthem is played – 11:36 a.m.

National anthem now being performed. pic.twitter.com/IfJlSlmnlO

— Balin Overstolz (@balin_om) September 21, 2025

First service speaker Rob McCoy, Kirk’s pastor, takes stage – 11:25 a.m.

“Turning Point is alive and well,” McCoy said, referencing how the nonprofit has pulled off its largest event in history without Kirk.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrives to stadium – 11:14 a.m.

J.D. Vance arrives to Glendale on Air Force 2 – 11:11 a.m.

Service begins – 11:09 a.m.

Guests silently hold Charlie Kirk signs prior to event start

Guests reflect on Kirk’s life and legacy

People have traveled from far and wide to pay their respects to Kirk and his family.

Former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb was among those to explain why it’s important that people attend the memorial.

“All over the world you’re seeing the impact that men who have courage to stand up for their faith and freedom and America, the impact that that has.”

Former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb on why so many people are showing up to the Charlie Kirk Memorial. pic.twitter.com/meV6Fbj6x8

— KTAR News 92.3 (@KTAR923) September 21, 2025

At Charlie Kirk’s memorial, former Oklahoma Senator Blake Stephens reflects on Kirk’s impact on his life and the country. Hear what he had to say.🎙️ pic.twitter.com/fAJ2QT1jIB

— KTAR News 92.3 (@KTAR923) September 21, 2025

Attendee Amy Li says Kirk’s legacy will live on.

She’s also looking forward to President Trump speaking later today. pic.twitter.com/H7EsUn4a9b

— Balin Overstolz (@balin_om) September 21, 2025

Crowd overflowing into nearby Desert Diamond Arena

Around 9:45 a.m., ABC15 reported that attendees were being let into Desert Diamond Arena, which is being used as an overflow area just across Maryland Avenue from State Farm Stadium.

Attendees began arriving early, stadium reaches capacity early

Fox News reported that Kirk memorial attendees began arriving “well before sunrise,” which was roughly 6:15 a.m. MST.

NBC News reporter Dana Griffin said at 9:27 a.m. “several families have left the stadium,” as it appeared to be already near capacity about 90 minutes before the event officially got underway.

Thousands are gathering at State Farm Stadium today to honor Charlie Kirk.

The memorial will feature tributes from family, friends and national leaders, including President Trump and Vice President JD Vance.

Live from Glendale, KTAR News is on the ground covering the service. pic.twitter.com/egQTRuhaCd

— KTAR News 92.3 (@KTAR923) September 21, 2025

Several Christian artists and bands will be taking the main stage on Sunday, including Chris Tomlin and Brandon Lake. Music was being played for early arrivers shortly after 8 a.m.

For those unable to attend the memorial in person, there is a live stream being broadcasted on X.

Super Bowl levels of security at State Farm Stadium

Earlier this week, the Glendale Police Department told guests to expect the same level of security at the memorial as at a Super Bowl.

The U.S. Secret Service and FBI are among additional security forces supporting the local law enforcement agency.

Cars are being checked by law enforcement as guests arrive at State Farm Stadium for the Charlie Kirk memorial.

Glendale PD had informed the public to expect the same level of security as at a Super Bowl. pic.twitter.com/NfnF2fAfCc

— KTAR News 92.3 (@KTAR923) September 21, 2025

When will Trump be speaking at Charlie Kirk memorial?

The White House reported that President Trump will be the memorial’s last speaker.

No exact time has been provided.

“We’re going to celebrate the life of a great man today. It will be a tough day,” Trump told reporters prior to leaving the White House on Sunday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.