'Interesting day': Donald Trump as he departs for Charlie Kirk's funeral

“Want to look at it as a time of healing, a time of whatever, that something like this could've happened — not even believable,” says US Prez on Kirk's killing

Updated on: Sep 21, 2025, 21:12:38 IST

By HT News Desk

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US President Donald Trump said far-right activist Charlie Kirk's funeral would be to “celebrate the life of a great man”, as he left from Maryland for the memorial service venue in Arizona.

US President Donald Trump makes his way to board Air Force One before departing from Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on September 21, 2025, heading to Glendale, Arizona, to attend the public memorial service for Charlie Kirk. (AFP)

Remembering Kirk as a “great man”, he further told reporters in a brief interaction: “We want to look at it as a time of healing, a time of whatever. That something like this could've happened, is not even believable.”

“We'll have a very interesting day, very tough day,” he added.

The memorial service for Kirk, whom Trump credits with playing a pivotal role in his 2024 election victory, is expected to draw tens of thousands of mourners, including Vice President JD Vance, senior White House officials and young conservatives shaped by the 31-year-old firebrand.

Kirk’s assassination at a September 10 appearance on a Utah college campus has set off a fierce debate about violence, decency and free speech in an era of deep political division.

The shooting also has stirred fear among some Americans that Trump is trying to harness outrage over the killing as justification to suppress the voices of his critics and political opponents.

The memorial service will take place at State Farm Stadium near Phoenix, where Kirk's Turning Point organisation is based.

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