US President Donald Trump hailed the conservative activist Charlie Kirk as a great American hero and martyr during a speech to tens of thousands of mourners at a memorial service in Arizona.
Trump was the headline speaker at the packed event on Sunday, which saw top officials from his administration, including Vice-President JD Vance, praise Kirk's political legacy after he was shot dead on 10 September.
He was assassinated because he lived bravely, he lived boldly, and he argued brilliantly, Trump told the crowd at the State Farm Stadium near Phoenix.
Kirk's wife, Erika, also delivered a tearful speech in which she said she had forgiven her husband's alleged killer.
My husband, Charlie, wanted to save young men, just like the one who took his life, she said, adding: I forgive him because it is what Christ did. The answer to hate is not hate.
Tens of thousands of people queued for hours outside the stadium before the event, with many wearing Make America Great Again (MAGA) hats and Republican-themed attire.
Inside the stadium, the atmosphere resembled a raucous political rally with music performed by Christian bands, prompting standing singalongs from the nearly 100,000 attendees.
Various speakers included members of Kirk's organization, Turning Point USA, alongside prominent conservative figures, stressing the need to continue Kirk's activism and emphasizing his deep faith throughout the five-hour service. Kirk was often referred to as a martyr, having been shot while debating students at a university in Utah.
Other speakers emphasized that Kirk’s death would invigorate the conservative movement, which is presently bolstered by Trump's leadership and Republican control over Congress.
Reflecting on his impact, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles said, Charlie didn't just help, he made the winning difference, I promise you that.
Erika Kirk took on the new role as CEO of Turning Point USA and continued her husband's mission to empower the youth with conservative values.
As President Trump took the stage, he expressed ongoing support for Kirk's vision and lamented the political violence, stating, He's a martyr now for America's freedom.
Kirk’s assassination and the subsequent memorial drew attention to existing political divisions within America, with many on the right attributing blame to the left.
Robinson, the alleged killer, is facing the death penalty, though officials have yet to disclose a motive for the crime. Kirk, who was instrumental in mobilizing youth support for Trump and promoting conservative ideologies on college campuses, had garnered a massive following prior to his tragic death.
