US Politics
Charlie Kirk’s public memorial service will be held in Arizona next weekend
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.
Read more
Turning Point USA, the organization founded by Charlie Kirk, will host a public memorial service on September 21 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, following the right-wing activist’s fatal shooting in Utah on Wednesday.
“Join us in celebrating the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Charlie Kirk, an American legend,” the organization said in statement.
State Farm Stadium, home of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, will be available for the memorial as the team has an away game against the San Francisco 49ers that day.
Doors for the memorial service will open at 8 a.m., with the event scheduled to begin at 11 a.m.
Kirk founded the nonprofit conservative advocacy group in 2012 when he was 18 years old. The group specifically targets younger Americans, particularly high school and college students.
open image in gallery
It has chapters on hundreds of campuses across the country and sees itself as pushing back against what it considers liberal dominance in schools and universities.
Tyler Robinson, 22, is accused of fatally shooting Kirk while he was speaking at an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. He faces capital murder, weapons and obstruction charges.
Why is Kirk’s memorial service in Arizona?
Kirk lived in the Phoenix area, and Arizona is also home to TPUSA’s headquarters. He leaves behind his wife, Erika, and their two children.
Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance accompanied Erika Kirk as they escorted her late husband’s casket back to Arizona. His body was flown from Salt Lake City to Phoenix aboard Air Force Two.
Upon arrival, a motorcade was prepared to transport the casket to Hansen Mortuary Chapel near Seventh Street and Northern Avenue.
open image in gallery
Trump to attend Kirk memorial service
President Donald Trump told reporters that he plans to attend Kirk’s yet-to-be-announced service, which he expected to take place next weekend in Arizona.
“Whenever it is, I’ll be going,” Trump said Thursday. “They’ve asked me to go, and I think I have an obligation to do it.”
On Wednesday, he ordered all American flags to fly at half-staff until Sunday at 6 p.m.
Vance is also expected to attend the memorial service.
open image in gallery
Charlie Kirk’s widow vows to continue slain activist’s work
Erika Kirk fought back tears Friday as she spoke publicly for the first time after her husband’s assassination.
From Phoenix, she vowed to carry on the right-wing movement he founded, addressing supporters alongside an empty chair symbolizing her late husband.
“If you thought that my husband’s mission was powerful before, you have no idea,” she said. “You have no idea what you just have unleashed across this entire country.”
