Over 200,000 individuals are estimated to have gathered in Phoenix, Arizona for the memorial service of Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist who was tragically assassinated by a far-left extremist on September 10.
People from across the nation arrived early for the service, with lines reaching a mile long by 2 a.m. local time—eight hours before the doors opened. The event is taking place at State Farm Stadium, which can accommodate 63,400 attendees and up to 73,000 for larger events, as noted on its website. Due to the overwhelming turnout, nearby Desert Diamond Arena has been designated as an overflow location, with additional crowds expected in surrounding parking lots and areas.
While officials initially estimated attendance at 100,000, Glendale Police spokesperson Moroni Mendez informed USAToday that those estimates have now doubled.
Notable attendees include President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and various senior cabinet officials, many of whom are scheduled to speak at the service.
Vice President Vance, a close friend of Kirk, credited him with influencing his political career and personally escorted Kirk’s casket back to Phoenix on Air Force Two shortly after his death. In a heartfelt tribute on social media before the event, Vance shared, “Last week, we brought my dear friend Charlie Kirk home one last time. Today, we return to Arizona to remember Charlie and honor his sacrifice. May he eternally rest in peace, and may God watch over Erika and their beautiful children.”
Before the service officially commenced, the packed crowd participated in hymns and expressions of Kirk’s strong Christian faith, culminating in a moment where 70,000 attendees stood, raised their hands, and chanted “Hallelujah.”
Conservative commentator Graham Allen proclaimed, “Charlie Kirk’s martyrdom is not the end. It was the start of a revival!! IT IS ALL ABOUT JESUS!!”
Months prior to his death, Kirk discussed his legacy during an appearance on “The Iced Coffee Hour” podcast, stating, “I want to be remembered for courage for my faith; that would be the most important thing.”
Erika Kirk, Charlie’s widow, is also set to speak at the event. She has recently taken over leadership of her husband’s organization, Turning Point USA, following a compelling address she delivered just two days after his assassination. In that speech, she stated, “If you thought my husband’s mission was powerful before, you have no idea what you have just released across this entire nation, across the world.”
Charlie Kirk is survived by his wife Erika and their two young children.
