Charlie Kirk Memorial to Be Held at Arizona Stadium Following Fatal Campus Shooting

State Farm Stadium to Host Public Farewell for Conservative Youth Leader on Sunday
A public memorial service for Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist and co founder of Turning Point USA, is set to take place this Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, days after the 31 year old was fatally shot while addressing university students in Utah.
Kirk, a nationally prominent figure in right wing youth politics, was shot in the neck on Wednesday while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University as part of a campus speaking tour. Authorities continue to investigate the shooting, which sent shockwaves across political and academic communities nationwide.
Turning Point USA announced that the upcoming Arizona memorial, which is expected to draw tens of thousands of supporters, will serve as a “celebration of Charlie’s life, mission, and legacy.”
A Stadium Farewell
State Farm Stadium, the 63,400-seat home of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, will open its doors to the public for the service, which will include speeches from Turning Point leaders, religious figures, family members, and close political allies. A moment of silence, musical tributes, and a retrospective video will be featured during the event.

“Charlie was a fighter, a visionary, and a tireless advocate for America’s youth,” said Candace Owens, a longtime colleague and conservative commentator. “We will honor his legacy the way he would have wanted boldly, publicly, and without apology.”

Kennedy Center Vigil Draws National Mourning
On Friday evening, a separate memorial vigil was held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., where mourners gathered in a solemn ceremony featuring candlelight, music, and personal tributes from friends, students, and political allies.

“He gave a voice to a generation that felt unheard,” said Senator Josh Hawley during the vigil. “His loss is not just personal, it’s national.”

Charlie Kirk rose to national prominence in his early 20s after co-founding Turning Point USA in 2012. The organization quickly grew into a dominant force in conservative campus politics, organizing student chapters across hundreds of universities and high schools.
Kirk became known for his confrontational speaking style, promTrump advocacy, and efforts to rally young conservatives. His campus tours frequently drew large crowds and occasional controversy as well as protests from opposing student groups.he  praised his energy and ability to galvanize politically disengaged youth.
Investigation Ongoing
Utah police have not yet released the name of the suspected shooter, but early reports suggest the assailant was a member of the campus community. Authorities say the motive remains unclear and have not ruled out political extremism as a factor.
The FBI and Department of Homeland Security are assisting in the investigation, citing the high-profile nature of the incident and rising concerns over political violence.
What’s Next
Turning Point USA has confirmed that Kirk’s family will attend the Sunday memorial in Arizona. The organization also announced the establishment of the Charlie Kirk Foundation, which will focus on youth education, free speech advocacy, and security measures at campus events.

“Charlie’s voice was silenced, but his message will not be,” said TPUSA Executive Director Ava Thomas. “We will carry it forward  louder and stronger.”