Kirk Memorial Sparks Antisemitism Controversy

A high-profile memorial for Charlie Kirk drew tens of thousands to Glendale, Arizona, and featured speeches from former President Donald Trump, Senators Marco Rubio and J.D. Vance; Kirk’s widow Erika publicly forgave the suspected assassin and the service emphasized Kirk’s Christian faith. Tucker Carlson’s eulogy likened Kirk’s mission to the story of Jesus and was widely criticized by advocacy groups and analysts for trafficking in antisemitic insinuations about Jewish or Israeli culpability. Commentators across the political spectrum and some French outlets compared elements of the memorial to Nazi rallies, while conservative critics accused liberal outlets of biased coverage. Streamer Steven “Destiny” Bonnell’s prior inflammatory remarks and his characterization of the event further inflamed debate and led to heckling at a later debate event he hosted. The combined speeches, rhetoric, and amplified social‑media reaction prompted a polarized national and international debate over antisemitism, media framing, and political rhetoric.