GLENDALE, ARIZONA — Tens of thousands of mourners dressed in red, white, and blue filled the 63,400-seat stadium west of Phoenix, where Kirk’s Turning Point organization is headquartered. The service began before dawn with people lining up for entry, creating what witnesses described as a combination of megachurch service and political rally that stretched over five hours.

Security was extraordinary, with speakers delivering tributes from behind bulletproof glass, underscoring the heightened tensions following Kirk’s assassination eleven days earlier.

Political Impact: Kirk’s assassination has set off intense debate about violence, free speech, and political discourse in America. Some critics express concern that the Trump administration may use outrage over the killing to suppress political opposition, while supporters frame Kirk as a martyr for conservative values and Christian faith.

Legacy Continues: The memorial emphasized that Kirk’s mission would continue through Turning Point USA under his widow’s leadership, with multiple speakers calling on attendees to “double down” on advancing conservative political goals.

The unprecedented scale of the memorial service—combining massive in-person attendance with what may be the largest streaming audience for any memorial in history—demonstrates Kirk’s significant impact on conservative politics and the deep emotions surrounding his death.

As President Trump concluded, “He always said, ‘Never back down, and never, ever surrender.’ And he lived it.” The service concluded with organizers promising that Kirk’s work advancing conservative causes among young Americans would continue with renewed determination.