President Trump called Kirk "immortal" and speakers called him a "martyr."
President Donald Trump praised Charlie Kirk as a "great American hero" and "martyr" for freedom as he and other prominent conservatives gathered Sunday evening to honor the slain conservative political activist whose work they say they must now advance.
The memorial service for Kirk, whom Trump credits with playing a pivotal role in his 2024 election victory, drew tens of thousands of mourners, including Vice President JD Vance, other senior administration officials and young conservatives shaped by the 31-year-old firebrand.
Speakers highlighted Kirk's profound faith and his strong belief that young conservatives need to get married, build families and pass on their values to keep building their movement. They also repeatedly told conservative activists, sometimes in confrontational tones, that the best way to honor Kirk was doubling down on his mission to move American politics further to the right.
Kirk founded Turning Point USA at age 18 and rose to become one of the most prominent conservative voices in the country. His influence, particularly with young people, helped propel Trump to office. But some of his comments on gun violence, LGBTQ issues, race and more often drew criticism from liberals and others.
ABC News and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
President Donald Trump takes the stage as he begins addressing thousands of people at Charlie Kirk's memorial service.
"Today, America is a nation in grief, a nation in shock and a nation in mourning," Trump said as he began his remarks at the memorial service.
Erika Kirk said her husband, Charlie Kirk, "Wanted to save young men just like the one who took his life."
"The answer to hate is not hate," Erika Kirk said.
She said she forgives Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old suspect who was charged for allegedly killing Charlie Kirk.
"That young man, I forgive him," she said as she was holding back tears.
Erika Kirk said in her remarks that the "greatest cause in Charlie's life was trying to revive the American family."
"When he spoke to young people, he was always eager to tell them about God's vision for marriage and how if they could just dare to live it out, it would enrich every part of their life in the same way that it enriched ours," she said.
She then shared personal stories of their marriage, saying she was his "closest and most trusted adviser, his best friend."
Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk, wiped tears from her eyes as she began addressing the thousands of people gathered at State Farm Stadium.
"I bless all of you for coming here from all over the world to honor and celebrate my Charlie," she said.
While speaking at the memorial service, she gave a glimpse into the moment when she saw Charlie Kirk's body on Sept. 10, saying she experienced a "level of heartache I didn't even know existed."
She said she saw the "faintest smile" on his lips, telling her that "Charlie didn't suffer" and that there was no "fear" or "agony" when he died.
