Charlie Kirk’s memorial was anything but traditional.
Held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, just 11 days after his assassination, the event drew over 60,000 mourners.
The five-hour service blurred the lines between a political rally, a religious gathering, a recruitment event, and an emotional farewell.
The tone fluctuated between firebrand speeches and deeply personal moments, highlighting Kirk’s dual roles as conservative icon and family man.
Why Didn't Erika Kirk Wear Black?
Turning Point USA, the organization Kirk founded, specifically requested that attendees avoid funeral attire in favor of patriotic clothing, per the New York Times.
Supporters turned up in red sundresses, blue polos, white shirts with red ties, and T-shirts emblazoned with Trump slogans, American flags, and Kirk’s own image.
With that being said, Erika opted for a textural white suit with a black top.
MAGA-style hats - now bearing slogans like “Make America Charlie Kirk” - were everywhere.
Many wore shirts reading “Freedom,” echoing the simple tee Kirk had on when he was shot in Utah.
These now-iconic garments have become right-wing symbols, with “Freedom” shirts selling online and Turning Point offering branded caps for $39.
Among the high-profile attendees were Donald Trump Jr., Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Most followed the unofficial Republican dress code: dark suits, white shirts, and red ties.
Elon Musk and White House deputy Stephen Miller broke ranks slightly, both opting for traditional black suits. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Kennedy wore blue ties.
Trump Pays Tribute - and Awards Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom
The memorial’s final speaker was President Donald Trump, who posthumously awarded Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
“Today, an entire nation wraps its loving arms around you and your beautiful children,” Trump said, addressing Erika. “We vow that we will do everything we can to ensure that your children grow up in a land where their father is honored and revered as a great American hero.”
Speaking about Kirk’s legacy, Trump added: “What was even more important to Charlie than politics and service was the choice he made in the fifth grade - which he called the 'most important decision of his life' - to become a Christian and a follower of his savior, Jesus Christ.”
Erika’s Promise to Carry the Torch
As the ceremony closed, Erika Kirk made a promise to both the crowd and her late husband: “I love you Charlie, baby. And I will make you proud.”
Tyler Robinson, 22, has since been arrested and charged with seven counts in connection with the shooting.