TRUMP TO LEAD TRIBUTES AT MEMORIAL FOR SLAIN CONSERVATIVE ACTIVIST CHARLIE KIRK
Read Time:1 Minute, 56 Second
Agency Report
US President Donald Trump will on Sunday lead tributes to Charlie Kirk, the prominent right-wing activist and founder of Turning Point USA, who was killed in a politically charged shooting earlier this month.
The memorial service, taking place at the 63,000-seat State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, is expected to draw tens of thousands of supporters, many wearing red, white, and blue or caps bearing Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan.
Speaking before his departure from the White House, Trump described the ceremony as “to celebrate the life of a great man. Really a great man,” adding that it would be “a very tough day.”
Kirk, 31, was shot in the neck on September 10 while addressing students at a Utah university during his debate tour. Authorities arrested a 22-year-old suspect after a 33-hour manhunt and have since announced plans to pursue the death penalty.
The killing has further inflamed already deep political divisions in the United States. Prosecutors said the suspect cited hatred he believed was incited by Kirk, who was known for his hardline opposition to transgender rights, Islam, and progressive movements.
Kirk built a powerful platform through social media, podcasts, and campus appearances, where he campaigned vigorously for Trump and promoted a nationalist, Christian-centric ideology. Trump, who credited him with helping secure re-election last year, hailed him as “a martyr for truth and freedom.”
High-profile figures including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard are scheduled to speak at the service. Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, who is set to take over leadership of Turning Point USA, will also address the crowd.
The White House has responded to the killing by announcing a crackdown on what it describes as “domestic terrorism” from the political left. Trump further pledged to officially designate “Antifa” as “a major terrorist organisation,” reviving a controversial threat from his first term.
The fallout has extended to the media, with late-night host Jimmy Kimmel abruptly pulled off air after government threats to revoke broadcasting licenses over his remarks about Kirk’s death. Critics of the administration have raised alarm over the moves, warning they could signal attempts to suppress dissent and curtail press freedom.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0