Nearly 90,000 gather in Arizona for Charlie Kirk’s memorial, one of the largest U.S. tributes ever held for a private citizen

Published Time: September-22-2025, 14:30 EDT

One of the largest memorial services ever held for a private citizen took place Sunday in Arizona, where nearly 90,000 people gathered to honor Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. The massive turnout filled State Farm Stadium, spillover arenas, and nearby viewing areas, underscoring Kirk’s lasting impact on politics, media, and faith communities.

A Historic Memorial Gathering

Charlie Kirk, the late founder of conservative youth organization Turning Point USA (TPUSA), was honored Sunday in what has been described as one of the largest memorial services for a private citizen in U.S. history.

According to estimates provided by TPUSA, about 70,000 mourners filled State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, with another 10,000 at the Desert Diamond Arena overflow site and an additional 10,000 gathered in surrounding areas.

In total, nearly 90,000 attended in person, while millions more watched nationwide broadcasts. White House Communications Director Steven Cheung confirmed that Kirk’s memorial was aired live across every major U.S. television network.

Comparisons to Historic Memorials

The turnout places Kirk’s memorial alongside some of the largest public gatherings honoring cultural figures in modern American history.

• Elvis Presley’s funeral in 1977 drew around 80,000 people to Memphis, though only a small number were allowed inside.

• Muhammad Ali’s 2016 service in Louisville hosted about 14,000 people, with global audiences watching through live streams.

• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s funeral in 1968 drew an estimated 150,000 to his Atlanta procession, with large services held at Ebenezer Baptist Church and Morehouse College.

By contrast, Kirk’s gathering brought tens of thousands inside a single stadium, a scale rarely seen for private citizens.

Political, Media, and Religious Leaders in Attendance

The memorial featured tributes from prominent political leaders, conservative media figures, and faith leaders who reflected on Kirk’s influence. Speakers highlighted his role in shaping a new generation of conservative activism, his bold public speaking style, and his deep ties to Christian communities.

TPUSA emphasized that the memorial was not only a celebration of Kirk’s life but also a rallying point for the continuation of his mission, known for blending media, politics, and faith-driven activism.

The Circumstances of Kirk’s Death

Charlie Kirk was assassinated on September 10, 2025, during an outdoor event at Utah Valley University. The event, part of TPUSA’s planned American Comeback Tour, had drawn thousands of students and community members.

Kirk was answering audience questions when a gunman opened fire, ending his life instantly. Law enforcement officials have not yet released full details about the investigation but confirmed the shooting was targeted.

The tragedy shocked supporters and critics alike, cutting short the career of a 31-year-old activist who built TPUSA into a national force in conservative politics.

A Legacy of Campus Activism

Born in 1993, Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012 at age 18. Within a decade, the group had grown into one of the largest conservative youth movements in the United States, hosting conferences, publishing media, and organizing nationwide campus tours.

Known for his sharp debating skills, Kirk frequently appeared on national television and digital platforms, where he sparred with political opponents and promoted conservative policy ideas.

His work made him a prominent figure in both political and religious communities, with strong ties to evangelical networks across the U.S.

Reactions From Officials and the Public

Federal and state officials condemned the assassination, with tributes pouring in from across the political spectrum. While some emphasized the polarizing nature of Kirk’s politics, most focused on the significance of his influence and the shock of his violent death.

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs released a statement calling the killing “an attack on democratic dialogue,” while members of Congress, including both Republicans and Democrats, expressed condolences to Kirk’s family.

A Gathering of Extraordinary Scale

Organizers noted that the massive crowd underscored Kirk’s reach across political, cultural, and faith-driven circles. Some estimates from local law enforcement suggested the number of attendees may have reached 200,000 when including those gathered outside official venues, though the more conservative estimate of 90,000 remains the official figure provided by TPUSA.

Regardless of the count, the turnout highlighted the extraordinary public response to his death and placed the Glendale memorial among the largest commemorations ever held for a private citizen in U.S. history.

Looking Ahead

While Charlie Kirk’s life was cut short, TPUSA leaders vowed to continue his mission. The group announced that its planned American Comeback Tour will continue later this year with guest speakers and youth organizers carrying forward Kirk’s message.

The Glendale memorial, filled with prayers, speeches, and moments of silence, served both as a farewell to a prominent activist and as a call to action for the movement he founded.