Trump calls Charlie Kirk ‘one of the brightest lights of our times’, says no one will ever forget him
GLENDALE, ARIZONA: President Donald Trump paid an emotional tribute to conservative activist Charlie Kirk, calling him “a giant of his generation” and “one of the brightest lights of our times.”
Addressing thousands gathered at State Farm Stadium in Arizona, he said: “Two weeks ago, our country was robbed of a devoted husband, father, son, Christian, and patriot.”
“Charles James Kirk was murdered by a radicalized, cold-blooded monster for speaking the truth. He was violently killed because he spoke for freedom and justice.”
Trump says Charlie Kirk ‘killed for living bravely’
Trump said Kirk’s death on September 10 marked a dark day in American history.
“He was assassinated because he lived bravely, he lived boldly, and he argued brilliantly without apology,” Trump said.
“He did what was right for our nation. On that terrible day, our greatest evangelist for American liberty became immortal."
Trump says Charlie Kirk's legacy will endure
The president urged mourners to remember Kirk as a model for American freedom.
“I know I speak for everyone here when I say that none of us will ever forget Charlie Kirk nor will history,” Trump declared.
“Charlie has been reunited with the Creator in heaven. His voice on earth will echo through generations. His name will live forever in the eternal chronicle of America’s greatest patriots.”
Security for Sunday's service in Glendale, a suburb of Phoenix, was raised to the highest level, with President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other Cabinet members speaking at the event.
Trump said it would be a “tough day” as he left the White House for Arizona Sunday morning. “We're going to celebrate the life of a great man today,” he told reporters.
Kirk, a close ally of the Trump administration and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was assassinated earlier this month while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
His death sparked an outpouring of grief and anger from the highest levels of government, including Vance, who accompanied his coffin as Air Force Two transported his body home to Arizona, where Kirk lived with his wife, Erika, and their two children.
