'Great American hero': Trump pays tribute to Charlie Kirk at memorial | Watch

Speaking at the service on Sunday, the Republican leader paid tribute to the former Turning Point USA chief and referred to him as a “great American hero.”

Updated on: Sep 22, 2025, 06:18:47 IST

By HT News Desk

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US President Donald Trump was the final speaker at the massive memorial for conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Speaking at the service on Sunday, the Republican leader paid tribute to the former Turning Point USA chief and referred to him as a “great American hero.”

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks onstage during a memorial service for slain conservative commentator Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium, in Glendale, Arizona, U.S., (REUTERS)

Trump further stated that Kirk was killed by a "radicalised, cold-blooded monster." Kirk was shot dead on September 10 while speaking during an event at Utah Valley University. Follow LIVE updates on Charlie Kirk funeral here

His alleged shooter, Tyler Robinson, was nabbed by the FBI at least 33 hours after the assassination.

The US president recalled the day of the incident and stated that Charlie Kirk welcomed the opposing voices against him as much as he did supporters.

Also Read | Trump and Elon Musk reunite at Charlie Kirk's funeral amid H-1B chaos, seen chatting

"Shortly before Charlie arrived on campus the day he was assassinated, a staff member texted him that there were many critics and students who were opposed his views... Charlie wrote back to the staff member saying, 'I’m not here to FIGHT them—I want them to know them and love them...' In that private moment on his dying day, we find everything we need to know about who Charlie Kirk truly was," said Trump.

The president added that Kirk's assassination was not just an attack on the person but an attack on the United States.

Also Read | Erika Kirk gives three-word message for Tyler Robinson at husband Charlie's funeral service

“The gun was pointed at him, but the bullet was aimed at all of us. That bullet was aimed at every one of us,” said Trump.

“Charlie was killed for expressing the very ideas that virtually everyone in this arena and most other places throughout our country, deeply believed in,” the president said, adding that Charlie's assassin failed his mission as the activist's message has not been silenced and is “much bigger and louder than before.”

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HT News Desk
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