The memorial service for Charlie Kirk on Sunday began with somber remembrances and anecdotes from friends before turning more explicitly to politics and vows to crush enemies of Mr. Kirk’s conservative movement.
Tens of thousands of mourners packed a football stadium near Phoenix — and spilled into an overflow arena nearby — for the event, during which President Trump and many members of his administration eulogized Mr. Kirk. Some vowed that his death would only strengthen his efforts to bring young people to the political right.
The service took place nearly two weeks after Mr. Kirk, 31, was assassinated while holding an event on a college campus in Utah. A 22-year-old man who prosecutors said had decried Mr. Kirk’s “hatred” has been charged in his death.
Many speakers invoked Christianity and described Charlie Kirk as a martyr.
The memorial service featured several religious figures and focused heavily on faith in paying tribute to Mr. Kirk, who frequently spoke of his evangelical Christianity.
Those mourning Mr. Kirk said his death was also an opportunity to spread his Christian faith. It also was a clear indication of the melding of religion and politics under Mr. Trump’s administration.
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