Daijiworld Media Network - US
United States, Sep 22: US President Donald Trump paid tribute to right-wing activist Charlie Kirk at a massive memorial service on Sunday, calling him “a giant of his generation” and describing him as a devoted husband, father, son, Christian, and patriot. Trump claimed Kirk was “violently killed because he spoke for freedom and justice, for God and country, for reason and common sense,” asserting that his death was aimed at everyone who shared his ideals.
The service, hosted by Turning Point USA, the youth-focused organization founded by Kirk and now led by his widow Erika Kirk, drew tens of thousands of attendees at a 63,000-seat stadium. Erika Kirk addressed the crowd, saying of her husband’s alleged killer, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, “That young man, I forgive him,” eliciting applause. Robinson has been charged with murder, and state authorities are pursuing the death penalty.
Trump was joined by top political figures, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hogsett, media personality Tucker Carlson, and former DNI Tulsi Gabbard. The president said Kirk’s death was the result of radical rhetoric and accused the media of trying to silence him.
Charlie Kirk, 31, was shot in the neck on September 10 while speaking at a Utah university as part of his public debate series. Authorities reported that the suspect cited “hatred” he believed was incited by Kirk. The killing has intensified political tensions and debates over free speech and extremism in the United States.
The memorial also highlighted Trump’s announcement to designate Antifa as a major terrorist organization and a pledge to act against left-wing networks allegedly responsible for political violence. Thousands of supporters had queued hours before the event, describing Kirk as a martyr who inspired them to express their beliefs.
The memorial underscored the deepening political divisions in the country and the widespread impact of Kirk’s activism on conservative youth engagement and public discourse.