On September 21, 2025, Erika Kirk held a big memorial for her husband, Charlie Kirk, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Many people came to remember him, including important leaders.
What happened
Charlie was shot and killed while he was speaking at a university event on September 10. After his death, Erika decided to lead a memorial so people could honor his life and hear from her.
At the memorial, many people spoke including herself, and also President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and others. The stadium was full, and there was even an overflow crowd in another nearby building, because so many wanted to go.
What Erika said
Erika gave a speech where she talked about how much she loved Charlie, their life together, and how she was hurt. She said something many people found very surprising and brave: she forgave the person accused of killing her husband. She said, “I forgive him,” because she believed that was what her husband and her Christian faith would want. Erika also said she plans to keep doing Charlie’s work; she will lead his organization, Turning Point USA, and help keep alive the ideas and goals he believed in.
Why people remember it
This memorial was more than just a funeral; many people felt it was also like a revival, meaning a time of strong faith and hope. People were moved by her words, especially her forgiving spirit. It’s rare for someone to publicly forgive a killer so soon after such a tragedy.
Also, many saw that Erika’s speech showed her strength standing there in front of so many people, crying, still speaking. Because of that, people talked about how she was honoring Charlie in a great way.