The memorial service for right wing political activist Charlie Kirk has attracted thousands of attendees, with the event kicking off with a performance from a Christian rock band
Around 100,000 admirers have gathered in Arizona, US, for the memorial service of right wing political activist Charlie Kirk. The social media sensation was fatally shot 11 days ago at a university debate.
His death has sparked a global reaction, with many of his fans – and even religious leaders – branding the republican as a “martyr” for freedom of speech. In fact, German Catholic Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Müller referred to Charlie Kirk as “a martyr for Jesus Christ” and condemned the “satanic celebration” of his death.
The celebrations in question refer to the debate sparked by his assassination. Kirk was controversial in his own right, as he travelled across the country sharing his views on abortion rights and even the right to bear arms during his lifetime.
But the 100,000 funeral attendees – who have all dressed in red white and blue – are there to mourn the man they claimed to be like “a brother”.
When asked about why he decided to attend the service, Clifford Craig told CNN: “To show my love and support for America and Charlie Kirk.”
He said the news of Kirk’s assassination hit him hard, comparing it to “losing a brother”.
Craig continued: “I’d really like to hear positive influence, how we’re going to move forward with unity and help bring this country back together, what it should be”.
The service is at State Farm stadium in Glendale, Arizona, despite Kirk’s birthplace being Chicago. Doors opened at 8am local time, but crowds already gew hours earlier to secure a spot in the stadium, which can hold 63,400 people.
Admission is on a first come, first served basis, according to organisers. They expect total attendance to measure in at 100,000, with fans coming from across the country.
The event started with a performance from a Christian rock band, with placards placed on chairs branded with Trump’s name, so fans can show their support.
Bright red lights illuminate a stage with Kirk’s name and photo printed on the background. Armed guards are also surrounding the venue.
Trump, who was a close friend to Kirk, jumped on Air Force One around an hour before the service and is expected to make a speech. His vice president, JD Vance, will also address the crowd.
Kirk leaves behind a wife and two children. After his killing, his widow, Erika Kirk, wrote on social media that the “world is evil”, but God “so good”.
She said: “[The] sound of this widow weeping [echoes] throughout this world like a battle cry. They have no idea what they just ignited within this wife.”
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