WATCH LIVE: Massive Memorial Underway for Slain Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium in Arizona

WATCH: A large-scale public memorial service honoring Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, is underway at State Farm Stadium.

GLENDALE, ARIZONA — A large-scale public memorial service honoring Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, is underway at State Farm Stadium.

The venue, also the home of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, has a capacity of more than 63,000 and can expand to accommodate up to 73,000 for major events, underscoring the significance of the occasion and the widespread impact of Kirk’s life and work.

A massive crowd of supporters, friends, and dignitaries from across the country has gathered.

Among those set to attend are President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, both of whom have publicly described Kirk as a personal friend and a powerful force in American conservative politics. Their presence is expected to underscore the national scope of the loss felt within the movement Kirk helped shape.

Kirk, who founded Turning Point USA in 2012, rose to prominence as one of the most visible and influential young conservative activists in the nation. He built TPUSA into a formidable grassroots organization with a strong presence on college campuses and beyond, promoting conservative values to a new generation of Americans.

His sudden death has sent shockwaves through the country and the world.

The assassination occurred on Sept. 10, 2025, when Kirk was fatally shot during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.

Vigils have been held in dozens of cities, with supporters gathering to pray, share memories, and reaffirm Kirk’s legacy as a fighter for the causes he championed.

Kirk is survived by his wife, Erika Kirk, a former Miss Arizona USA and media host, along with their two young children, born in 2022 and 2024. Friends and colleagues say an outpouring of support has surrounded his family.

On social media, hashtags honoring Kirk have trended nationwide since his death, with tributes pouring in from prominent political figures, supporters, and everyday Americans. Many have described his passing as not just the loss of a leader, but of a voice that inspired young conservatives to engage in politics and culture with renewed energy.

Officials at State Farm Stadium have prepared for heavy attendance, with security tight given the presence of high-profile guests and the magnitude of the event.

The service will not only serve as a moment of mourning, but also as a reflection on Kirk’s lasting influence. For many, it is an opportunity to celebrate the life of a man they viewed as a visionary — one whose impact will likely shape political discourse for years to come.

A series of billboards honoring Charlie Kirkwill will soon appear across Brevard County.

Prominent businessman, community philanthropist, animal advocate, and law enforcement proponent A.J. Hiers, CEO of Boniface Hiers Automotive Group, is financing the tribute, which includes 15 billboards and covers the costs of a proposed street renaming in Melbourne.

“We’re honoring a young husband and father who lost his life exercising his First Amendment rights,” Hiers said. “This isn’t about politics—it’s about showing compassion for someone who made an impact on a lot of people.”

Digital billboards are expected to go live this week, with printed versions to come over the weekend on Clear Channel Outdoor and Lamar-owned venues.

Similar Stories