Nearly two weeks after the assassination of right-wing activist and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk
media attention remains intense. The 31-year-old was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University on September 10, shocking his millions of followers and allies, including former President Donald Trump.
This past weekend, a massive memorial service was held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, where Trump, JD Vance, Donald Trump Jr., and other high-profile figures like Elon Musk paid tribute. Sources estimated attendance at over 100,000 people—far surpassing the stadium’s capacity—while thousands more gathered outside.
The most emotional moment came when Kirk’s widow, Erika, addressed the crowd. Taking the stage in an all-white outfit, she declared she had forgiven the “young man” responsible for her husband’s death. While many praised her strength, others questioned the authenticity of the moment, criticizing her choice not to wear black to the service.
According to the official Fight for Charlie memorial website, attendees were asked to wear “Sunday Best” in red, white, or blue to honor both Kirk and the American flag. Within that context, Erika’s white attire was seen by supporters as a deliberate tribute, blending her personal loss with the patriotic theme of the day.