What To Know
- In a heartbreaking turn of events that has sent shockwaves through conservative circles and beyond, the nation gathers today to honor Charlie Kirk, the fiery 31-year-old founder and CEO of Turning Point USA.
- Kirk, a relentless voice for young conservatives and a close ally to President Donald Trump, was tragically assassinated on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University.
- Today marks the public memorial service, a massive event expected to draw over 100,000 attendees to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
Posted on September 21, 2025
In a heartbreaking turn of events that has sent shockwaves through conservative circles and beyond, the nation gathers today to honor Charlie Kirk, the fiery 31-year-old founder and CEO of Turning Point USA. Kirk, a relentless voice for young conservatives and a close ally to President Donald Trump, was tragically assassinated on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University. His death—described by supporters as a martyrdom for free speech and faith—has ignited an outpouring of grief, tributes, and calls for justice.
Today marks the public memorial service, a massive event expected to draw over 100,000 attendees to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The stadium, home to the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, is already at capacity, with lines snaking through parking lots for miles. Mourners in red, white, and blue—honoring Kirk’s patriotic spirit—have been filing in since before sunrise, many donning “We Are Charlie Kirk” bracelets and holding signs quoting Isaiah 6:8: “Here I am, Lord, send me.”
The service, titled “Building a Legacy: Remembering Charlie Kirk,” kicks off at 11 a.m. MST (2 p.m. ET) and promises emotional speeches from heavy hitters in the conservative world. President Trump is set to deliver remarks, posthumously awarding Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Vice President JD Vance, who accompanied Kirk’s casket on its journey home, will also speak, as will Kirk’s widow, Erika, now stepping into the CEO role at Turning Point USA. Other expected attendees include Secretary of State Marco Rubio and top administration officials. Security is tight—designated a high-security event by Homeland Security—reflecting the political weight of the moment.
Kirk’s life was a whirlwind of activism. From founding TPUSA at just 18 to mobilizing millions of young voters, he turned college campuses into battlegrounds for conservative ideals. His “American Comeback” tour, where he fell to an assassin’s bullet, was drawing thousands when tragedy struck. As one supporter told NBC News outside the stadium: “We’re the voice for him now. They can’t kill what Charlie stood for.”
Where to Watch the Memorial Service Live
If you can’t make it to Arizona (and let’s be real, with crowds this size, tickets are metaphorical unicorns), don’t worry—major networks are streaming the event wall-to-wall. Here’s a quick guide to catch every heartfelt eulogy and rallying cry:
| Platform/Network | How to Access | Start Time (ET) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABC News Live | ABCNews.go.com, ABC News apps, Hulu, YouTube TV, Sling TV | 2 p.m. | Full live stream with expert commentary; live blog for real-time updates. |
| CNN | CNN.com, CNN app, cable/satellite | 2 p.m. | On-site reporters covering the massive crowds and political fallout. |
| NBC News | NBCNews.com, NBC app, Peacock | 2 p.m. | Live updates and interviews with attendees; focus on Kirk’s youth movement impact. |
| FOX LiveNOW | LiveNOWfromFOX.com, FOX News app, YouTube | 2 p.m. | Direct stream from the stadium; expect a pro-conservative lens on the legacy. |
| USA Today | USAToday.com (live blog) | Ongoing | Text-based updates with photos and videos; great for mobile. |
| The New York Times | NYTimes.com (live coverage) | Ongoing | In-depth analysis alongside the stream; broader political context. |
Pro tip: Fire up YouTube or your streaming service of choice—search “Charlie Kirk memorial live” for aggregator channels if your cable provider lags. And if you’re tuning in from abroad, VPNs might help bypass geo-blocks on some platforms.
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This isn’t just a funeral; it’s a clarion call. Kirk’s assassination has supercharged debates on political violence, free speech, and the soul of America’s youth. Evangelical worship bands are already filling the stadium with praise music, turning grief into resolve. As Trump reportedly plans to say, Kirk’s life was “short, but full.” We’ll be watching—and remembering—a warrior who refused to back down.
Stay tuned for post-service reactions here on the blog. What does Charlie Kirk’s legacy mean to you? Drop your thoughts in the comments below. God bless America, and rest in peace, Charlie.
Sources: ABC News, USA Today, Newsweek, The New York Times, CNN, NBC News, The Guardian, The Independent, FOX News.