Charlie Kirk latest: Trump hails Kirk as ‘giant of his generation’ in speech to memorial service

Vice President JD Vance has just finished speaking – he described Kirk as having built a movement that has “changed the course of American history”.

“They tried to silence my friend Charlie Kirk,” he says, but adds that at this memorial they’re now spreading his message loudly.

He talks about the importance of religious faith to Kirk and his message, and goes on to say, “America was his home and he was willing to die for it”.

The Trump administration is present at the memorial not just because of their relationship with Kirk, but because “we wouldn’t be here without him”, Vance says.

In the wake of Kirk’s death, Vance says he has “seen some of the very worst parts of humanity”, saying he has seen people celebrate the attack.

He says that has made him angry, and that he thinks Kirk would encourage him to be honest that “evil still walks among us”, but that he also believes Kirk would encourage people to “focus on the good” and pray for both friends and enemies.