Donald Trump arrives in Arizona for Charlie Kirk memorial

U.S. President Donald Trump at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, U.S., September 21, 2025
Reuters

U.S. President Donald Trump has landed in Arizona ahead of a large memorial service at State Farm Stadium in Glendale for Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old conservative activist who was fatally shot on a college campus.

The service is being held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, a venue which seats over 60,000. Organizers are braced for massive crowds, more than 100,000 people have registered, and overflow space has been made available. 

Trump is joined by Vice President JD Vance and other senior Republicans. Speaking to reporters before departure, Trump described the coming event as “a very tough day,” calling Kirk “a great man” whose influence on young conservatives was “amazing.” 

Security is extremely tight. The State Farm Stadium has been cleared with “TSA-level” screening and the memorial has been designated a Special Event Assessment Rating Level 1, the highest tier for national events.

Erika Kirk, Kirk’s widow (recently named CEO of Turning Point USA), is expected to speak, as are other high-profile conservative figures. Turning Point USA has asked attendees to dress in red, white, and blue. 

The event has significance beyond the personal loss: it underscores growing public concern over political violence, free speech, and the role of activism on college campuses. Trump is expected to use the memorial as both tribute and political messaging. 

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