President Donald Trump and prominent members of his “Make America Great Again” movement will pay tribute on Sunday to conservative activist Charlie Kirk, whose slaying has marked a signal moment in America’s fraught political atmosphere. The memorial service for Kirk, whom Trump credits with playing a pivotal role in his 2024 election victory, is expected to draw tens of thousands of mourners, including Vice President JD Vance, senior White House officials and young conservatives shaped by the 31-year-old firebrand. Kirk’s assassination at a September 10 appearance on a Utah college campus has set off a fierce debate about violence, decency and free speech in an era of deep political division.
The shooting also has stirred fear among some Americans that Trump is trying to harness outrage over the killing as justification to suppress the voices of his critics and political opponents. The service will take place at State Farm Stadium, the home of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals west of Phoenix, where Kirk’s Turning Point organization is based. Security is expected to be tight, with a similar level of federal law enforcement presence as for the Super Bowl or other high-profile event. Comments about Kirk have become a Trump administration target
Trump has blamed the “radical left” for Kirk’s death and threatened to go after liberal organisations and donors or others whom he feels are maligning or celebrating Kirk’s death. He criticised House Democrats who voted against a House resolution that praised “the life and legacy” of Kirk, which passed the Republican-controlled House on Friday. “Who could vote against that? All (Republicans) were saying was Please condemn the assassination of a human being” Trump told reporters.