Wyoming state rep walks nearly three miles on crutches to attend Charlie Kirk memorial

GLENDALE, ARIZONA: A Wyoming legislator overcame physical challenges and sweltering conditions to pay tribute to conservative activist Charlie Kirk, walking nearly three miles on crutches to attend Sunday’s memorial service in Arizona.

State Rep Scott Smith of Lingle, Wyoming, and his wife, Charissa, made the trip from their small town to Glendale to honor the late Turning Point USA founder, according to Cowboy State Daily.

Wyoming lawmaker makes grueling effort to attend Charlie Kirk memorial 

Their journey involved driving to Denver, flying into Phoenix, and heading toward State Farm Stadium before sunrise on September 21. But as thousands descended on the memorial, traffic came to a standstill just miles from the venue.

With the handicap lot already full, Smith was forced to park about 2.5 miles away. Despite his disability and reliance on crutches, he refused to turn back. Together with his wife, he navigated crowds, gravel paths, and the rising Arizona heat to reach the packed stadium. 

Smith later described the walk as both painful and dangerous, but one he felt compelled to complete. He said he believed God was pushing him forward, calling the occasion “a moment in history” worth the hardship.

For Smith, the memorial carried the feeling of a religious revival, with a strong influence on worship and biblical values.

Smith said the biggest lesson he carried home was not just about honoring Kirk, but about personal faith. “The most important thing in life is your walk with Christ,” he noted.

Over 277,000 devices tracked at Charlie Kirk memorial

Charlie Kirk’s memorial service in Glendale, Arizona, drew one of the largest political and faith-based gatherings in recent US history, according to Andrew Kolvet, who served as executive producer on Kirk’s podcast.

Speaking to Fox News host Jesse Watters, Kolvet revealed that geotagging data showed more than 277,000 devices inside and around State Farm Stadium during the September 21 memorial. The figure far exceeded expectations and underscored the scale of support for Kirk, who was fatally shot at age 31 earlier this month.

Kolvet described the turnout as “a testament to Kirk’s leadership and the people he surrounded himself with,” emphasizing that the late Turning Point USA founder left an indelible mark on young conservatives and faith communities alike.

Kolvet also shared that Kirk’s widow, Erika, was deeply touched by the overwhelming display of solidarity. He recalled her often saying that nothing about Charlie’s life or his untimely death was ever “normal.”