September 24, 2025
Back to all stories

At Glendale memorial, Trump pledges Medal of Freedom for Charlie Kirk’s family

At a packed State Farm Stadium memorial in Glendale, Arizona — with tens of thousands attending, overflow sites and a SEAR‑1 security designation led by the Secret Service amid reported threats and the detention of an armed man — President Trump pledged to present the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Charlie Kirk’s family and called Kirk a “martyr for American freedom,” while a lineup of conservative figures including Vice President JD Vance, Marco Rubio and Tucker Carlson also spoke. Erika Kirk publicly forgave her husband’s accused killer and framed the gathering as a spiritual revival even as the event blended elements of a state‑style funeral, worship and partisan politics.

Obituaries & Memorials Events Politics Legal Crime Religion U.S. News Public Safety Government

📊 Analysis & Commentary (1)

Playbook: ‘Love and always love’
Politico by By Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns September 22, 2025

"Playbook riffs on Erika Kirk’s “love and always love” message from the Glendale memorial to contrast calls for unity with Washington’s swift, politicized reactions to Charlie Kirk’s assassination."

📰 Sources (26)

Pastors hail Erika Kirk’s forgiveness of husband's accused killer as powerful testimony to Christian faith
Fox News September 24, 2025
New information:
  • Specific reactions and direct quotes from faith leaders praising Erika Kirk’s public forgiveness (Bishop Robert Barron called it 'one of the most impressive and moving displays of the Gospel I have ever experienced').
  • White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt framed Erika Kirk’s forgiveness as 'one of the greatest acts of grace this world has ever seen.'
  • Additional pastoral commentary from Rev. Franklin Graham and Pastor Jack Hibbs endorsing the forgiveness as a powerful Christian witness.
Top 5 moments from Charlie Kirk's memorial service in Arizona
Fox News September 22, 2025
New information:
  • Trump labeled Charlie Kirk a 'martyr for American freedom' and recounted learning of the shooting while in an Oval Office meeting.
  • Trump embraced Erika Kirk on stage as 'America the Beautiful' played after his remarks.
  • Erika Kirk delivered a tearful speech invoking scripture and publicly forgave her husband's killer, urging a revival of faith and church attendance.
  • Fox highlights attendance by high-level figures including HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Kirk memorial blends religious revival with partisan politics
The Christian Science Monitor by Sarah Matusek September 22, 2025
New information:
  • Estimated crowd size put at about 100,000 people, including overflow in a nearby arena.
  • Erika Kirk’s explicit forgiveness quotes: “The answer to hate is not hate... The answer we know from the gospel is love and always love.”
  • New Trump remark contrasting with Erika’s message: “I hate my opponent and I don’t want the best for them. I’m sorry, Erika.”
  • Framing detail that the service blended elements of a state funeral, religious revival, and political rally.
Erika Kirk says she forgives the man accused of killing her husband
NPR by Fatma Tanis September 22, 2025
New information:
  • Erika Kirk publicly stated she forgives the accused killer, telling attendees, “I forgive him ... because it was what Christ did and is what Charlie would do,” and urged “love” over “hate.”
  • She framed the response to her husband’s killing as a spiritual “revival,” encouraging people to pray, read the Bible, and return to church.
  • She emphasized Charlie Kirk’s focus on strengthening the American family and urged men to be spiritual leaders in their homes.
  • She described viewing her husband’s body and said she believed he did not suffer.
  • NPR highlights a contrast with surrounding speeches: Vice President Vance said, “evil still walks among us” and warned against a “fake kumbaya moment,” while President Trump said, “I hate my opponents and I don’t want the best for them.”
Trump honors Charlie Kirk's legacy and describes him as a 'martyr for American freedom'
Fox News September 22, 2025
New information:
  • Trump said he will honor Charlie Kirk at the White House by presenting his family with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
  • Trump described Kirk as a 'martyr for American freedom' and called the killing an attack on American democracy.
  • List of administration speakers at the memorial included VP JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and DNI Tulsi Gabbard.
  • Trump credited Kirk with playing a decisive role in his 2024 election victory.
Over 73,000 come to remember Charlie Kirk
https://www.facebook.com/CBSEveningNews/ September 21, 2025
New information:
  • CBS reports that over 73,000 people attended the Sunday night memorial.
  • The event was described as a capacity crowd at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
Christian author Frank Turek describes being 25 feet away when Charlie Kirk was shot: 'Like a son to me'
Fox News September 21, 2025
New information:
  • Christian author Frank Turek said he was approximately 25 feet from Charlie Kirk when the shot was fired at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10.
  • Turek recounted that he and members of the security detail ran to the SUV and attempted first aid, but asserted Kirk died instantly and felt no pain.
  • Turek described mentoring Kirk on Christian apologetics and delivered faith-centered remarks requested by Erika Kirk during the Sept. 21 memorial.
Tens of thousands attend memorial service for conservative leader Charlie Kirk
PBS News by Juliet Fuisz September 21, 2025
New information:
  • Tens of thousands attended the memorial service in Arizona.
  • The memorial mixed music, prayer and calls to action.
  • President Trump, Vice President JD Vance and many administration officials spoke at the event.
Browns pay tribute to Charlie Kirk while memorial services takes place in Arizona
Fox News September 21, 2025
New information:
  • State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona reached full capacity during Charlie Kirk’s memorial service on Sept. 21.
Here is the latest on the memorial.
Nytimes by Jack Healy, Tyler Pager and Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs September 21, 2025
New information:
  • Before dawn, heavy traffic clogged roads up to a mile away; police and ambulances used opposite lanes to reach positions.
  • Thousands were already gathered by 5:30 a.m., with worship music and prayers outside the venue.
  • Organizers activated a 19,000-seat overflow arena next door and said they were planning a second overflow location.
  • High-profile attendees spotted on site included Kyle Rittenhouse, Rep. Lauren Boebert, and James O’Keefe.
Thousands gather for Charlie Kirk memorial service with Trump set to speak
https://www.facebook.com/CBSNews/ September 21, 2025
New information:
  • Expanded speaker list: Susie Wiles, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, DNI Tulsi Gabbard, Donald Trump Jr., Tucker Carlson, Stephen Miller, Sergio Gor.
  • Reiterates SEAR Level 1 security designation and 'TSA-level screening' for attendees.
  • Confirms overflow planning at Desert Diamond Arena alongside State Farm Stadium and police expectations of 100,000+ attendees.
Trump to honor Charlie Kirk at Arizona memorial, tens of thousands of young conservatives expected to attend
Fox News September 21, 2025
New information:
  • Turning Point USA released attendee guidelines Saturday night, including a patriotic dress code and a strict no‑bag policy.
  • Additional scheduled speakers named: HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, DNI Tulsi Gabbard, Donald Trump Jr., Tucker Carlson, Stephen Miller, and Sergio Gor (alongside Erika Kirk).
  • Broadcast details: the memorial will air on Fox News Channel and stream on Fox News Digital.
MAGA movement will bid farewell to Charlie Kirk with a hometown funeral in Arizona
NPR by Elena Moore September 21, 2025
New information:
  • Funeral/service is scheduled for Sunday at 2 p.m. ET at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
  • President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance are set to deliver remarks, along with other administration officials.
  • Erika Kirk will address attendees; she was named TPUSA CEO on Thursday.
  • NPR reiterates expectations of tens of thousands of attendees for the service.
Arizona prosecutor issues warning ahead of Charlie Kirk memorial with Trump, Vance
Fox News September 20, 2025
New information:
  • Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell publicly warned that illegal activity at Sunday’s memorial will be prosecuted, while affirming protections for peaceful mourners and protesters.
  • Glendale Police issued a traffic alert urging attendees to plan ahead and allow extra time, emphasizing a secure environment.
  • Attendance is projected at roughly 100,000, with potential overflow to Desert Diamond Arena noted in local planning communications.
Armed man arrested outside site of Charlie Kirk memorial in Arizona
https://www.facebook.com/CBSNews/ September 20, 2025
New information:
  • Suspect identified as Joshua Runkles, 42, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
  • Runkles was booked into Maricopa County Jail for impersonating a law enforcement officer and carrying a weapon into a prohibited place.
  • Arizona DPS said Runkles is not a member of law enforcement despite his claim.
  • Runkles has been released on bond.
  • Secret Service statement: the man was observed exhibiting suspicious behavior; USSS and local law enforcement are investigating why he was at the location.
  • Confirms the memorial is designated a SEAR Level 1 event.
Man detained at Kirk memorial site was allegedly found with gun, knife and expired credentials inside stadium
Fox News September 20, 2025
New information:
  • Secret Service says the detention occurred inside the stadium before any secure perimeter was established.
  • The detained individual was carrying both a gun and a knife.
  • The individual allegedly told agents he was at the site to provide private security.
  • Secret Service described the person as exhibiting suspicious behavior and confirmed he claimed to be law enforcement but was not authorized for the event.
Charlie Kirk memorial in Arizona expected to draw 100,000, with Trump and Vance headlining
Fox News September 20, 2025
New information:
  • Secret Service says an armed individual exhibiting suspicious behavior was detained at State Farm Stadium in Glendale ahead of Sunday’s memorial.
  • The person claimed to be law enforcement but was not part of the authorized detail and is in custody, per Secret Service.
  • Secret Service confirmed the individual was armed; identity not publicly released.
  • Fox News, citing a federal source, reports the person presented expired credentials and is a former deputy sheriff from Idaho.
  • Event details reaffirmed: President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance are scheduled to speak Sunday.
Federal security efforts in full tilt ahead of Charlie Kirk's memorial service
https://www.facebook.com/CBSEveningNews/ September 19, 2025
New information:
  • Interagency security assessment (FBI, ATF, DHS I&A, Secret Service) says they are tracking 'several threats of unknown credibility' but have 'no information suggesting a verified or credible plot.'
  • Secret Service confirmed as the Federal Coordinator for the event’s security; statement from Phoenix SAC William Mack on working side-by-side with partners.
  • DHS reiterates a SEAR‑1 designation (comparable to the Super Bowl) and explains the support it enables.
  • Specific security measures: uniformed and plain‑clothes officers, drones, roughly 300 surveillance cameras, and counterterrorism sniper teams.
  • Glendale Police cite compressed planning window versus a Super Bowl ('a week to work with') and describe an all‑hands posture.
Security preparations underway for Charlie Kirk memorial
https://www.facebook.com/CBSEveningNews/ September 19, 2025
New information:
  • Police anticipate more than 100,000 people will try to attend the Charlie Kirk memorial on Sunday.
  • State Farm Stadium’s capacity is about 63,000, underscoring expected overflow and crowd-control needs.

+ 6 more sources