Donald Trump and other MAGA figureheads are set to speak at a memorial service for Charlie Kirk, a close ally of the president and controversial right-wing activist who was fatally shot at a US university earlier this month. Follow latest updates below.
Sunday 21 September 2025 20:31, UK
Organisers have played a video featuring Charlie Kirk's thoughts on his organisation, Turning Point USA.
"This is not just another DC gig. It's about saving western civilisation.
"We are the most important organisation in the country. You are part of it."
It was played in between speeches by Turning Point USA officials and others
The president has landed in Arizona for Charlie Kirk's memorial, Eric Trump has posted on X.
He will deliver remarks later.
The national anthem has been played following Christian worship and prayer.
Charlie Kirk's pastor Rob McCoy spoke, followed by Republican donor Rebecca Dunn, who is paying tribute at the moment.
Elon Musk has been spotted in the crowd at the memorial service.
He was seen shaking hands with former Florida politician Matt Gaetz and waving to a crowd.
By Sarah Gough, US producer
The question now for the American right is how to turn this huge outpouring of affection for Charlie Kirk into action.
They are encouraging the enormous crowds to vote, with registration sign-up areas in the grandstands.
Mid-term elections for Congress are scheduled for November 2026.
Organisers with iPads are asking people in the long queues for food if they're college-age and interested in starting or joining a Turning Point chapter.
Donald Trump's Republican Party is mourning the loss of Charlie Kirk, but this event is also their opportunity to build on his legacy, and crucially, win even more votes.
The designated protest area is so far completely empty, our US partner network NBC News reports.
Glendale police spokesperson Jose Santiago said ahead of the event that there will be a "free speech zone set aside" for protesters.
People are still taking their seats for Charlie Kirk's memorial service.
One man could be seen wheeling a giant wooden cross through the stadium.
Christian rock has been playing for the crowds as they wait.
By David Blevins, US correspondent
Donald Trump's cabinet has exchanged Washington DC for Glendale, Arizona in an unprecedented tribute to Charlie Kirk.
Never in living memory have a serving president and vice president both spoken at the memorial service of a non-elected US citizen.
The order of service is a who's who of US politics – secretary of state Marco Rubio, secretary of war Pete Hegseth and secretary of health Robert F Kennedy junior are all scheduled to address the congregation.
The memorial to the assassinated conservative activist is a combination of remembrance and rally-cry for the current administration.
Charlie Kirk's Turning Point organisation is credited with securing 46% of the youth vote for Donald Trump last year, an increase of 7% since 2020.
His widow Erika, who will also speak at the event, has vowed to continue his mission, and the administration will want to mobilise that youth vote ahead of next year's mid-term elections.
House speaker Mike Johnson has posted from Air Force One, showing him en route to the memorial service with Donald Trump.
Several families have left the stadium, saying they were told it's already full, our US partner network NBC News reports.
The service is expected to draw a crowd as large as 100,000 people, with the stadium fit for 63,000.
"It's all hands on deck," said Glendale police spokesperson Jose Santiago.
"We get two years to plan for a Super Bowl, but here we have one week."
Pictures taken inside show some empty seats, but security procedures are being undertaken thoroughly.
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