On September 10th, 2025, famous conservative podcaster and debater Charlie Kirk was shot down while at Utah Valley University. From fans to critics, thousands of people have been left shocked as a war of arguments on who to blame slowly unfolds in the political world. But, there is one event that seems to be causing the most division between the left and the right—Charlie Kirk’s memorial.
Kirk’s memorial service was held in Glendale, Arizona (1). It featured some of the most powerful figures in America today, including President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other conservative leaders. The line of attendees extended over a mile, according to Glendale Police (2). However, among all these people dressed in MAGA hats and American flags, the one person the media and public most looked forward to seeing was Erika Kirk, widow of the recently deceased Charlie Kirk. One of her first public appearances since Kirk’s public assassination during his ‘America Comeback’ tour, this controversial ceremony necessitates a comprehensive summary.
Erika Kirk’s Speech
Perhaps it was Erika Kirk who drew the most emotion from the audience in Arizona through her emotional speech. While she was expected to praise her husband, mourning her unexpected loss, she unexpectedly forgave the man who was found guilty of her husband’s murder. In famous words, Erika proclaimed, “That man. That young man. I forgive him” (3). She followed it up by saying, “I forgive him because it was what Christ did in his. What Charlie would do. The answer to hate is not hate. The answer we know from the gospel is love and always love” (3).
Nobody could predict Erika’s sudden act of forgiveness, especially in the context of her prior speech on Kirk’s abandoned podcast, vowing that her anger as a widowed wife would demand justice in the country.
Regardless, both sides, left and right, have been left emotionally conflicted. In fact, the internet is outraged. Liberals and leftists are accusing Erika Kirk of only forgiving her husband’s murderer because there is speculation of him being a Trump supporter. Background checks and further investigation have shown that the shooter—Tyler Robinson—grew up in an extremely conservative household. Certain members of the left postulate that Erika’s forgiveness is only to save her own conservative reputation and hypocrisy.
However, the right seems to be arguing differently. Multiple conservative personalities have taken to X and other social media platforms, commandeering Erika for her compassion and bravery. They say that Erika is merely displaying the values of what a true ‘Christian’ holds. Whatever it may be, one thing remains clear: Erika’s grief and emotions were a monumental highlight of the memorial, as well as her surprising forgiveness.
Trump Addresses his ‘Opponents’
One of the biggest, if not the biggest, events of the memorial was President Trump’s contentious speech The concluding speech Trump gave at this Turning Point USA-sponsored event left the internet in a civil war. As the president had a lot to say alongside grieving his friends. He stated, “That’s where I disagreed with Charlie. I hate my opponent,” he said. “And I don’t want the best for them” (1). Clearly showing his disgust for the liberals and leftists of the US, which is half of the country he is supposed to govern over.
Trump’s speech became a headliner for a multitude of articles and newspapers. His actions incited a burning debate within the nation. Some radical critics contend that turning someone’s funeral into a place for political polarization and hatred is repulsive, outrageous, and completely inappropriate. Other individuals argue that Trump has done no wrong and that he is allowed to feel strongly for his recently deceased friend. While there are a plethora of opinions circulating, Trump’s speech redefined the socially acceptable reaction to political violence.
The President’s counterpart, JD Vance, who seems very much involved in the life and death of Charlie Kirk, had plenty to say too. In his moving speech, he expressed that “The evil murderer who took Charlie from us expected us to have a funeral today, and instead, my friends, we have had a revival and celebration of Charlie Kirk and his lord, Jesus Christ” (2).
Overall, the memorial for Charlie Kirk will always be remembered differently to different people. Some may perceive it as a controversial event that exposed the face of corruption and the use of murder as a political tool, whereas others perceive it as a respectful and much-needed ceremony to honor a key figure in American politics. Ultimately, regardless of one’s political alignment, its significance in history and the American zeitgeist is unmistakable.
(1):https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/21/politics/takeaways-charlie-kirk-memorial-service-trump-erika-kirk
(3):https://www.fox13news.com/news/charlie-kirk-funeral-wife-erika-speech-remarks-watch-video