President Donald Trump, Dignitaries, Pastors and 90,000 Others Pay Tribute to Charlie Kirk
The funeral of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk drew a crowd of 90,000 mourners at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Sunday, Sept. 21, marking one of the largest memorial gatherings in recent memory.
Pastor Rob McCoy, co-chair of Turning Point Faith in California and widely regarded as Charlie Kirk’s pastor, opened the memorial service for the Turning Point USA founder. McCoy, who recently retired after 25 years at Godspeak Calvary Chapel in Thousand Oaks, reflected on Kirk’s brief but impactful life, saying, “Charlie Kirk did in 31 years on this earth … had more lifetimes in 31 years, and all of us have in the entirety of our own.”
He praised the resilience of Turning Point staffers who, despite mourning their leader, organized the largest event in the organization’s history. McCoy emphasized Kirk’s deep Christian faith, describing how Kirk entrusted his life to Jesus at an early age. “His death upon that cross was sufficient for all the world’s sins, but only efficient for those who, like Charlie, would receive Him as their Savior,” McCoy said, urging attendees to turn their grief into action through faith.
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President Donald Trump addressed the crowd, calling Kirk “a martyr now for American freedom” and “our greatest evangelist for American liberty.” President Trump’s appearance also featured a highly publicized handshake with Elon Musk, marking their first friendly interaction since a falling-out earlier this year.
Erika Kirk, the late activist’s widow, offered a message of forgiveness. “I forgive him because it is what Christ did. The answer to hate is not hate,” she declared, drawing a standing ovation. She also called on young men to emulate her husband’s devotion to family, stressing the importance of husbands leading their homes with love and humility. “Your wife is not your servant. Your wife is not your employee. Your wife is not your slave. She is your helper,” she said.
Political leaders also paid tribute. Secretary of State Marco Rubio invoked the gospel message, while Deputy White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller envisioned a spiritual awakening in Kirk’s legacy. Vice President JD Vance credited Kirk with reshaping American politics, adding, “Our whole administration is here, but not just because we love Charlie as a friend, even though we did, but because we know we wouldn’t be here without him.”
The service, filled with both mourning and resolve, honored Kirk’s enduring influence on faith, family, and politics.
