Charlie Kirk Memorial Draws 100,000 in Glendale with Gospel and GOP Politics

The memorial service for conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Glendale, Arizona drew a massive crowd of about 100,000 attendees and millions more via livestream, becoming one of the largest in U.S. history. The event blended religious fervor and political activism, featuring Christian music performances and speeches from prominent right-wing figures including President Donald Trump, who acknowledged Kirk's dedication to conservative causes but openly confessed his own opposition to forgiving political rivals. Erika Kirk, Charlie's widow, emotionally forgave her husband's assassin, emphasizing love over hate and pledging to continue his mission as the new CEO of Turning Point USA. The service underscored the close ties between contemporary Christian music, evangelical Christianity, and conservative politics, highlighting how Kirk’s work and death have been framed as both a spiritual and political martyrdom. Republican leaders at the event called for a spiritual revival among religious conservatives, linking Kirk's assassination to broader cultural and ideological conflicts with the political left, which some described as a secular religion hostile to Christian values. The event also featured patriotic symbolism and criticism of liberals, reflecting a fusion of faith, politics, and antagonism toward progressive ideologies.