Tens of thousands gathered at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, to honor Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist fatally shot during a college event in Utah on September 10. The memorial became a flashpoint of contrasting narratives: one focused on faith and forgiveness, the other on anger and political division.

Erika Kirk, Charlie’s widow and newly appointed CEO of his organization, Turning Point USA, delivered a moving speech rooted in Christian principles. She even forgave her husband’s alleged killer, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, the report added.

Erika Kirk’s Message: “The Answer to Hate Is Always Love”

According to Newsweek, Erika Kirk, fighting through her tears, described seeing her husband’s body in the hospital. She said, “Even in death, I could see the man that I love.” She said he had a peaceful smile on his lips and added that it was a sign of “great Mercy from God”.

Referring to the alleged shooter, she said, “That young man, I forgive him.” She reasoned that she was forgiving him because it was what Jesus Christ did and what Charlie would have done. She urged Americans to return to church, embrace the gospel, and reject division.

In her speech, she focused on Christian family values. “Be a leader worth following,” she said, addressing the men in the audience, and added that wives are neither servant nor employee. “She is your helper,” Kirk said, and addressing the women, she told them to guard their hearts and honor the role of motherhood as a sacred ministry.

Also read: Was Candace Owens at Charlie Kirk’s funeral? A timeline of her relationship with TPUSA

Trump’s Message: “I Hate My Opponents”

In stark contrast, President Donald Trump used the memorial stage to rally against the ‘radical left’, antifa, and media critics. While initially quoting Kirk’s message of love for political opponents, Trump abruptly pivoted, saying that was where he disagreed with Kirk.

According to The Guardian report, Trump, in his speech, said, “I hate my opponents, I do not want the best for them. I am sorry.”

Trump veered into campaign-style rhetoric, as per The Guardian, and accused ‘paid agitators’ of attempting to silence Kirk and framing the shooting as part of a broader war on conservatism. He claimed that “radicals” were behind the political violence and called Kirk’s death “a bullet aimed at all of us.”

FAQs

Who was Charlie Kirk?

Charlie Kirk was a conservative activist and the founder of Turning Point USA, a right-wing youth organization. He was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University.

Who killed Charlie Kirk?

Tyler Robinson, 22, has been charged with murder. He allegedly confessed to a roommate, saying he was tired of Kirk’s “hatred.”

What did Erika Kirk say at the memorial?

She forgave her husband’s alleged killer, urging people to choose love and faith over hate. She emphasized Christian values and family life.