Donald Trump Recalls Charlie Kirk's Last Message in Emotional Tribute

President leads emotional, historic farewell for slain activist Charlie Kirk as 90,000 mourners pack stadium to grieve fallen patriot.

In a stunning outpouring of grief and patriotic devotion, tens of thousands of Americans packed into Arizona's State Farm Stadium on Sunday, September 21, 2025, to mourn the shocking death of conservative firebrand Charlie Kirk, whose assassination has stunned the nation and ignited fresh outrage over urban violence.

Under blazing crimson lights and a colossal American flag, U.S. President Donald Trump took the stage to deliver a speech that shook the nation — revealing the activist's final words to him, issuing a bold promise for justice, and painting Kirk as nothing short of an American hero.

'America Loved Charlie Kirk': A President and Nation in Mourning

Wearing a dark navy suit and his trademark red tie, President Trump stood at the podium, his face drawn with sorrow but his voice unwavering as he declared, "Charlie Kirk loved America with everything he had. And as we can see so clearly today, America loved Charlie Kirk."

In front of him, thousands of mourners — grieving family, heartbroken friends, political allies, and tear-streaked supporters — sat shoulder-to-shoulder in solidarity.

The president spoke in reverent tones, lifting Kirk into the pantheon of national heroes. "He's a martyr now for American freedom," Trump said, his eyes scanning the crowd.

The word martyr struck like thunder — a young man killed in the prime of life, now immortalized in the conservative movement he helped define.

One of the most poignant moments came when Trump revealed the last words Kirk had said to him — "Please, sir, save Chicago." The crowd fell silent. "We're going to do that," Trump vowed, his tone shifting from reflective to resolute. "We're going to save Chicago from horrible crime."

That promise — delivered like a pledge at a soldier's grave — was met with resounding applause. Trump connected Kirk's plea to a broader campaign against urban violence, saying he would carry Kirk's vision into cities like Memphis and beyond, all "with Charlie very much in mind."

'An Incompetent Governor': Trump Slams Local Leaders and Vows a Crackdown

Trump then turned his fury toward elected officials, blaming Democratic leadership for turning a blind eye to violence.

"You have an incompetent governor who thinks it's okay when eleven people get murdered over the weekend," he said, his voice rising in anger. "He thinks you don't have any crime when [...] 28 people get shot." He accused leaders of dangerous indifference, echoing Kirk's own rage about the violence gripping major cities.

According to Trump, Kirk had taken these issues personally — not just politically — and had been so proud of what was happening in Washington, D.C. before his death.

Turning his attention to Kirk's family, Trump paused for a moment as the crowd quieted again. "To Charlie's incredible and beautiful widow, Erika," he began gently, "we know the weight of this monumental loss is almost unbearable."

At a different point during the event, Kirk's bereaved wife, dressed in a textured white suit, was visibly emotional as she leaned into Trump during a tender moment captured by cameras.

'Heartache and Pain Too Great to Even Fathom': Trump Comforts Widow and Parents

"Even in the midst of heartache and pain too great to even fathom, you have somehow found the strength and deep faith to be a comfort to millions and millions of people," Trump continued, addressing both the widow and the late activist's parents.

"We know that no words can ever be enough to fill the void he leaves behind [...] But I hope the extraordinary outpouring of emotion over these past 11 days has comforted you," shared the president.

Trump also did not shy away from highlighting the details surrounding Kirk's death. "As you know, the depraved assassin who planned and executed Charlie's killing has been arrested and charged with capital murder," he stated. "God willing, he will receive the full and ultimate punishment for his horrific crime."

He went on to say that the Department of Justice was investigating radical groups believed to have funded and fueled the violence, promising that "law enforcement can only be the beginning of our response to Charlie's murder."

'His Voice on Earth Will Echo': Trump Invokes Legacy in Sweeping Terms

At another point in his speech, Trump cast Kirk's legacy in grand terms, declaring, "His voice on earth will echo through the generations and his name will live forever in the eternal chronicle of America's greatest patriots."

The moment hung heavy over the arena. In this space — one typically filled with rallies and roaring chants — grief took the microphone, and reverence became the prevailing sound.

The scale of Kirk's memorial was nothing short of historic. According to Turning Point USA (TPUSA), roughly 70,000 people packed into State Farm Stadium, reaching full capacity.

Another 10,000 gathered at the nearby Desert Diamond Arena, while an estimated 10,000 more watched from designated viewing areas around the site. Combined, the turnout reached 90,000. Initially, law enforcement officials provided an earlier estimate of as many as 200,000 in total attendance.

Headlined by political leaders, conservative commentators, and faith figures, the service quickly became one of the largest public gatherings ever held for a private citizen.

According to White House Communications Director Steven Cheung, the event was broadcast live across every major U.S. television network, transforming Kirk's farewell into a national moment.

The size and solemnity of the gathering served as a powerful testament to the life Charlie Kirk led, and the sudden, violent way it was taken. In the wake of such a profound loss, attention continues to be focused on the details emerging from the investigation into his assassination.

The 31-year-old founder of TPUSA was fatally shot during a speaking event at Utah Valley University (UVU) on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, prompting an investigation, eyewitness reports, and reactions from political leaders.

The violence erupted during Kirk's midday appearance, organized by the university's student chapter of TPUSA. Witnesses said they heard a single gunshot from a nearby building before security rushed him away and campus police cleared the courtyard. Kirk was the only person reported injured.

A UVU spokesperson later recounted the details, "We had a speaker, Charlie Kirk, who was invited by a student group, Turning Point USA, who was speaking on campus today at noon."

The university representative continued, "At about 12:20, shots were fired from a building about 200 yards from the speaker. To the best of our knowledge, the individual was hit and was taken away immediately by his security personnel. The campus is closed for the rest of the day and our campus police has a suspect in custody [sic]."

While the university sought to reassure the community, TPUSA confirmed Kirk's condition. "This is an ongoing situation," said spokesperson Aubrey Laitsch at the time. "We can confirm that Charlie Kirk has been shot. He is in the hospital, and we are praying for him at this time."

By late afternoon, hopes were dashed. The organization announced Kirk's death to their employees and supporters in a note, also shared with CNN, "It's with a heavy heart that we, the Turning Point USA leadership team, write to notify you that early this afternoon, Charlie went to his eternal reward with Jesus Christ in Heaven."

Attention soon turned to the investigation. Shortly after Kirk's tragic death, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel said on X that the person initially detained in connection with the shooting had been questioned and released.

He also emphasized that the inquiry remains active and promised to provide continued updates in the interest of transparency.

With no suspect in custody at the time, a wider manhunt began — but an expert warned it would be difficult. CNN's Chief Law Enforcement and Intelligence Analyst John Miller said the attacker likely planned to move silently, remain unseen, fire a single shot, complete the mission, take the weapon, and leave little evidence behind.

The TV network's analyst also noted that the precision of the single shot suggested the attacker had prior firearms experience.

"This is someone who knew exactly what they were doing and is probably known to others, and this may be working to the advantage of law enforcement. As someone who has a long history in shooting, this wasn't an amateur," he explained.

Eyewitness accounts underscored the sense of shock. Jeremy King, 45, who stood about 15 feet from Kirk, said he was initially confused at the time, believing the gunshot might have been "part of an act or performance" tied to the discussion about gun rights and the LGBTQ+ community.

King's confusion turned to panic as Kirk collapsed. "Everyone around me dropped to the ground. I immediately stood over my wife. You don't know if this is a single shot or if it's going to turn into a mass shooting. And so you're scanning," he recalled.

He later saw Kirk's bodyguards react swiftly, adding, "At that moment, I did grab my phone and start recording as they moved him to the SUV and loaded him up."

As the reality of Kirk's death set in, tributes poured in from across the political spectrum. In an address, Trump condemned the shooting as a national tragedy.

"I am filled with grief and anger at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk on a college campus in Utah. Charlie inspired millions, and tonight all who knew him and loved him are united in shock and horror," he said. He also described Kirk as a "martyr" and called the incident a "dark moment" in American history.

Meanwhile, the country's Vice President JD Vance mourned Kirk's death and echoed Trump's message by reposting it on X, amplifying the president's praise of Kirk as a "legendary" figure who deeply influenced young Americans.

Trump's post also included condolences to Kirk's wife and their family. Vance followed with a brief prayer for Kirk's peaceful eternal rest.

Earlier that day, Trump had issued a formal proclamation ordering that all U.S. flags be flown at half-staff through September 14. The order applied to the White House, federal buildings, military installations, and U.S. embassies worldwide.