Thousands of people have gathered at the State Farm Stadium in Arizona for Charlie Kirk’s public memorial and funeral, with many camping out in line before sunrise.
Security for Sunday’s service in Glendale, a suburb of Phoenix, has been raised to the level typically reserved for Super Bowls, with President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and five Cabinet members scheduled to speak.
Trump said it would be a “tough day” as he left the White House for Arizona Sunday morning. “We’re going to celebrate the life of a great man today,” he told reporters.
Over 200,000 people responded online expressing interest in attending in person, but the stadium, home of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, has a capacity of 63,000, which can be expanded to over 73,000 for larger events.
The nearby Desert Diamond Arena will act as overflow space and can hold an extra 19,000 people.
Other speakers include Marco Rubio, Secretary of State; Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Defense; Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence; Susie Wiles, White House Chief of Staff; and Stephen Miller, Deputy Chief of Staff.
Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, who has taken on leadership of Turning Point USA, is also set to address attendees.
Watch live feed inside the stadium
People have mostly taken their seats ahead of the service today, which is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. local time.
Live music has started, which you can watch on our live feed below:
Rhian Lubin21 September 2025 16:19
Profile: Charlie Kirk’s family
Joe Sommerlad and Josh Marcus take a look at the family of the late conservative activist as they prepare for his public memorial.
Oliver O’Connell21 September 2025 17:45
Trump: ‘Colleges were dangerous for conservatives and now they’re hot’
President Donald Trump said that 10 years ago, colleges were “dangerous for conservatives” and “now they’re hot” as he spoke to reporters before leaving for Charlie Kirk’s memorial service.
The conservative activist was assassinated on the campus of Utah Valley University on September 10.
“He did a tremendous job, and he had a hold on youth because they loved him,” Trump said, according to Reuters news agency. “If you go back 10 years, those colleges were dangerous places for conservatives and now they’re hot. They’re very hot, just like this country is hot.”
Rhian Lubin21 September 2025 17:25
Pictures show crowds looking emotional
Images coming in from the State Farm Stadium show mourners looking emotional ahead of today’s memorial for Charlie Kirk.
Kirk-branded bracelets and pins are also available for mourners.
There is still 2 hours to go until the service begins.
Rhian Lubin21 September 2025 17:15
Heightened security for funeral as Trump administration set to show up in force
Turning Point USA has warned those wanting to attend Sunday’s memorial service at State Farm Stadium that “enhanced security measures are in place, which may result in longer wait times than usual.”
“We appreciate your patience and understanding,” the group says on its website.
The event will be on a first-come, first-served basis based on stadium capacity. Indoor overflow will be available next door at the Desert Diamond Arena.
With so many administration officials set to attend and speak, security is especially tight.
TP USA also advises that there will be a no bag policy in effect.
“Guests arriving with bags, even clear bags, will NOT be permitted entry. You will be required to return the bag to your vehicle and rejoin the line from the end.”
Oliver O’Connell21 September 2025 17:05
JD Vance pays tribute to ‘my dear friend Charlie’ ahead of memorial service
Vice President JD Vance has paid tribute to his “dear friend Charlie Kirk” ahead of today’s memorial service.
Vance is due to speak later today.
Rhian Lubin21 September 2025 16:50
People take their seats in the State Farm Stadium
People are filtering into the stadium and taking their seats, with still hours to go until the service itself begins.
Here are some of the first pictures:
Rhian Lubin21 September 2025 16:35
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