A memorial service for Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk drew tens of thousands of supporters to the State Farm Arena in Glendale, Arizona, on Sunday, where speakers delivered tributes grounded in faith, forgiveness, and remembrance.

Dr. Frank Turek, a Christian author who was in the vehicle with Kirk as he was rushed to the hospital, spoke about eternity during the ceremony.

Turek told the crowd that Kirk died instantly and was already with Jesus.

I had the honor and privilege to speak at Charlie Kirk’s memorial service. Please continue praying for Erika, her children, and the entire team at TPUSA.#CharlieKirkMemorial pic.twitter.com/sFRBoKO0wt

— Frank Turek (@DrFrankTurek) September 21, 2025

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His remarks were part of a series of faith-centered messages offered by speakers throughout the evening.

One of the most notable moments came when Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, addressed the audience.

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Her remarks focused on forgiveness and directly referenced the man responsible for her husband’s death. “My husband Charlie he wanted to save young men, just like the one who took his life,” Erika Kirk said.

“On the Cross, our Savior said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they not know what they do.’ That man. That young man. I forgive him.”

If you watch one thing today, let it be this — the truly remarkable display of grace and compassion from Mrs. Erika Kirk as she forgives her husband’s assassin because that’s what Christ would do.

We love you, Erika. pic.twitter.com/EsSUgeJx1F

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) September 21, 2025

The service, which was both a tribute to Kirk’s life and a reflection of his Christian values, was marked by Biblical scripture and worship songs.

On Monday morning, former CNN host Don Lemon criticized the memorial and the messages delivered.

Speaking publicly, Lemon dismissed the tributes and accused the event of being politically motivated.

He claimed speakers used Biblical passages not for remembrance, but as a way of “demanding submission.”

Lemon also singled out President Donald Trump’s participation in the ceremony.

“Donald Trump stood on the stage like a man at the center of prophecy. He called Charlie Kirk a martyr…. as if the passing of the man had lit some sort of sacred fire,” Lemon said.

He went further, calling the gathering a political spectacle.

“What we saw in that arena was not simply faith finding public expression, it was religious nationalism on full display,” Lemon added.

NEW: Don Lemon fumes over the Christian messaging at Charlie Kirk’s memorial, says speakers quoted scripture because they were “demanding submission”

“What we saw in that arena was not simply faith finding public expression, it was religious nationalism on full display”

They’re… pic.twitter.com/DbIPMb6p9Z

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) September 22, 2025

Despite Lemon’s remarks, the memorial brought together supporters, family members, and colleagues to honor Kirk’s life and legacy.

Attendees and speakers emphasized his faith-driven mission, his influence on young conservatives, and his commitment to principles that shaped Turning Point USA.

The service at State Farm Arena stood as one of the largest gatherings held in memory of a conservative leader in recent years, drawing attention both for the scale of turnout and the depth of faith-centered tributes.

While critics like Lemon cast the event as political, for those in attendance, the evening was marked by personal stories, public forgiveness, and the central role of Christian faith in Kirk’s legacy.

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