Trump calls Charlie Kirk a ‘great American hero’ and ‘martyr’ for freedom

President Donald Trump praised Charlie Kirk as a “great American hero” and “martyr” for freedom as he and other prominent conservatives gathered on Sunday evening to honour the slain conservative political activist whose work they say they must now advance.

The memorial service for Mr Kirk, whom Mr 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.

“He’s a martyr now for America’s freedom,” Mr Trump said in his tribute.

“I know I speak for everyone here today when I say that none of us will ever forget Charlie. And neither now will history.”

Speakers highlighted Mr 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 honour Mr Kirk was doubling down on his mission to move American politics further to the right.

“For Charlie, we will remember that it is better to stand on our feet defending the United States of America and defending the truth than it is to die on our knees,” Mr Vance said.

“My friends, for Charlie, we must remember that he is a hero to the United States of America. And he is a martyr for the Christian faith.”

Mr Kirk’s assassination at a September 10 appearance on a Utah college campus has become a singular moment for the modern-day conservative movement.

It has also set off a fierce debate about violence, decency and free speech in an era of deep political division.

The shooting has stirred fear among some Americans that Mr Trump is trying to harness outrage over the killing as justification to suppress the voices of his critics and political opponents.

Those close to Mr Kirk prayed and the floors shook from the bass of Christian rock bands as the home of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals took on the feel of a megachurch service.

“Charlie looked at politics as an on-ramp to Jesus,” said the Reverand Rob McCoy, Mr Kirk’s pastor.

People began lining up before dawn to secure a spot inside State Farm Stadium west of Phoenix, where Mr Kirk’s Turning Point organisation is based.

Security was tight, similar to the Super Bowl or other high-profile events. The speakers delivered their tributes from behind bulletproof glass.

The 63,400-seat stadium quickly filled with people dressed in red, white and blue, as organisers suggested.

Mr Kirk’s widow, Erika, in her own address said in the midst of her grief, she was finding comfort that her husband left this world without regrets. She also said she forgives the man who is charged with killing him.

“My husband, Charlie, he wanted to save young men, just like the one who took his life,” said Erika Kirk, who is taking over as Turning Point’s leader.

She added: “I forgive him.”

Mr Trump has blamed the “radical left” for Mr Kirk’s death and threatened to go after liberal organisations and donors or others who he feels are maligning or celebrating Mr Kirk’s death.

Dozens of people, from journalists to teachers to late show host Jimmy Kimmel, have faced suspensions or lost their jobs as prominent conservative activists and administration officials target comments about Mr Kirk that they deem offensive or celebratory.

The retaliation has, in turn, ignited a debate over the First Amendment as the Republican administration promises retribution against those who air what are seen as disparaging remarks in the wake of Mr Kirk’s death.

Some speakers at the memorial said Mr Kirk was battling evil and referred often to a vague “they” as the enemy. Others were blunt.

“You have no idea the dragon you have awakened, you have no idea how determined we will be to save this civilisation, to save the West, to save this republic,” said White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller.

Mr Kirk was a provocateur who at times made statements that some called racist, misogynistic, anti-immigrant and transphobic.

That has drawn backlash from conservatives who view the criticism as cherry-picking a few select moments to insult the legacy of someone they see as an inspirational conservative leader.

A 22-year-old Utah man, Tyler Robinson, has been charged with killing Mr Kirk and faces the death penalty if convicted of the most serious charges.

Authorities have not revealed a clear motive in the shooting, but prosecutors say Robinson wrote in a text to his partner following the shooting that he “had enough” of Mr Kirk’s hatred.

Turning Point, the group Mr Kirk founded to mobilise young Christian conservatives, became a multi-million-dollar operation under his leadership with enormous reach.

“Charlie’s having some serious heavenly Fomo (fear of missing out) right now,” Tyler Bower, Turning Point’s chief operating officer, said, likening the moment to bringing “the Holy Spirit into a Trump rally”.

The crowd was a testament to the massive influence he accumulated in conservative America with his ability to mobilise young people.

Mr Kirk was a Maga celebrity with a loyal following that turned out to support or argue with him as he travelled the country for events like the one at Utah Valley University, where he was shot.

Mr Kirk grew the organisation, in large part, through the force of his personality and debating chops.

“He slayed ignorance,” said director of national intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.

“He cut through lies. He woke people’s minds, inspired people’s hearts and imparted wisdom every day.”