GLENDALE, AZ — At Charlie Kirk’s memorial Sunday, supporters told the Daily Caller News Foundation that the Turning Point USA founder had shaped their lives, with some getting emotional as they reflected on the 31-year-old conservative’s legacy.
Thousands gathered outside Arizona’s State Farm Stadium beginning late Saturday night, with the crowd only growing by early Sunday morning. People of all ages could be seen, including Grand Canyon University (GCU) students who spoke about Kirk’s legacy.
Riley, a GCU student originally from Wisconsin, said she was inspired by Kirk, noting how often he visited the college campus and engaged with students.
“He just loved the young generation so much,” Riley said. “Our school absolutely loves him. Our Turning Point chapter is here too.”
Riley said that before joining her college’s TPUSA chapter, she had already started listening to Kirk ahead of the 2024 election. The Wisconsin native explained that while she considered herself more moderate, she ultimately voted for President Donald Trump after Kirk addressed questions she had about the election.
“I really wanted to just know my facts and know what I was voting for and everything because I vote more moderate — I am more moderate, but I did vote for Trump just because everything was so chaotic,” Riley told the DCNF. “But Charlie answered my questions I had and the way that he explained it — seeing him debate people in such a respectful way was really inspiring too.”
When asked what message she would carry forward after listening to Kirk for so long, Riley said she would never let his “voice die.”
“His legacy, obviously. But just never letting the voice die. That was his thing,” Riley said. “This is the turning point. Truly it is because he’s awakened a fire in so many people and we have to carry on for him.”
Since Kirk’s assassination, many of his friends and family have spoken about the TPUSA founder’s faith. Days after his death, his wife, Erika Kirk, addressed the nation, emphasizing how deeply he valued his love for God and how it was a core part of his message to students.
Another GCU student, Claire, a Washington state native, told the DCNF she felt compelled to attend the service because of her faith and Kirk’s mission, noting that she is also a Christian.
“I love his mission and I love what he was doing with the country. His passion for college students was so inspiring. It’s just a really big honor to pay respect to him in such a way. And to see so many people come out and just honor him in the way that they are,” Claire told the DCNF.
“I think this is a really historical moment. I think this a big turning point in history in this nation and in this generation,” Claire added. “I think this is a big moment for everyone.”
Claire also noted that while she had not been active with TPUSA on her campus, she would now be reconsidering since Kirk’s murder.
Kirk made his name by debating students on college campuses around the United States, with many of his discussions going viral online. He typically engaged with liberal students on issues like trans ideology, abortion and protecting women’s sports.
While many, including Vice President J.D. Vance, have noted that Kirk’s efforts during the presidential campaign helped Republicans secure the White House, college students were not the only ones who felt a connection to him.
Traveling from out of state to the memorial, a Michigan native named Mark told the DCNF he made the trip to “honor” Kirk’s life, saying the 31-year-old “created a turning point for our country.”
“It’s unbelievable, you can probably hear it in my voice — it’s kind of an emotional thing for me,” Mark said as tears began to well up in his eyes. “It’s just amazing to see all these great God-fearing patriots. People with great faith in the Lord, great patriotism for America and it’s just wonderful to be among them.”
WATCH:
.@haileyggomez speaks with a man who came all the way from Michigan to attend the Charlie Kirk memorial in Arizona, displaying the massive impact of Kirk’s work and mission. pic.twitter.com/ElXGgqgBt0
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) September 21, 2025
Another non-college attendee who flew in for the service told the DCNF that he had met Kirk in the early years of TPUSA. Chicago native Lawrence Ligas said he had spoken with Kirk about raising funds for child psychologists in Chicago public schools. Ligas added that after their initial meeting, they had reconnected several years later, smiling as he reflected on the memory.
“My theory is, legends don’t die,” Ligas told the DCNF. “Charlie’s up there right now resetting America.”
Dan Beazley built this cross by hand and brought it from Michigan to display during worship.
“No, I didn’t I know [Charlie] personally. [He] just made that much in a difference … you can see the difference he made in the entire world …” @DailyCaller pic.twitter.com/9wxXRcmTix
— Hailey Grace Gomez (@haileyggomez) September 21, 2025
While attendees throughout the day reflected on memories of Kirk, many expressed hope for TPUSA’s future and the trajectory its heading. On Thursday, TPUSA posted to X that within eight days, the organization had received “62,000+ requests from high school and college students nationwide to start a chapter or get involved with an existing chapter.”
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