In a remarkable display of public mourning, approximately 95,000 people, including Students for Life’s own Kristan Hawkins, converged at the State Farm Stadium and its overflow arena outside Phoenix, Arizona, on September 21st, 2025, to honor the life of Charlie Kirk. The conservative activist, millennial leader, and evangelist—whose tragic assassination shook the nation earlier this month—was remembered at a memorial marked by deep emotion, religious conviction, and political reflection.

Kirk, 31, was fatally shot on September 10^th while addressing students at Utah Valley University. Tyler Robinson has been charged with aggravated murder and other offenses in Kirk’s assassination.

The stadium was filled to its brim as President Donald Trump delivered a lengthy and impassioned speech, calling Kirk a “martyr for American freedom.” The event was as much a rallying point for political ideals as it was for shared faith; speakers throughout the evening invoked Kirk’s legacy as both a Christian evangelist and a champion of conservative values.

One of the most poignant moments came from Erika Kirk, Charlie’s widow. Her voice trembled with emotion as she addressed the packed stadium, speaking not of vengeance, but of forgiveness for the gunman.

“I forgive him,” Erika Kirk said, tears streaming down her face. “I forgive him because it was what Christ did and what Charlie would do. The answer to hate is not hate. The answer we know from the Gospel is love and always love — love for our enemies and love for those who persecute us.”

Her heartfelt remarks visibly moved those in attendance, the atmosphere heavy with grief and compassion. President Trump embraced Erika on stage, symbolizing the nation wrapping its arms around Erika in shared support and grief. 

Religion and politics remained central themes, woven through speeches from national leaders. Vice President Vance described Kirk as a “hero” and a “martyr for the Christian faith.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio reflected on Kirk’s vision for society, saying, “He understood that we were not created to isolate ourselves from one another, but to engage.” Rubio added, “The irony in all this is that what our nation needs, one of the many things it needs, is the ability to discuss our differences openly, honestly, peacefully, respectfully.”

The public farewell to Charlie Kirk will be remembered not just for its immense turnout and tribute to the movement Charlie built and amplified, but for the spirit of unity, forgiveness, and faith that permeated the proceedings. As thousands departed the stadium under the Arizona night sky, the call for love over hate and engagement over echo chambers pulsated in the hearts of many, which is the heart of the Pro-Life Generation (PLG): to engage in meaningful discussions to change hearts and minds and spread the love for Life over hate.

Rest in peace, Charlie. Thank you for defending Life.