Introduction to Charlie Kirk’s Funeral Service
Charlie Kirk’s funeral is taking place Sunday, 11 days after the conservative activist and Turning Point USA founder was assassinated while speaking at Utah Valley University. LiveNOW from FOX will stream the entire service and coverage of the event begins at 9 a.m. PT (12 p.m. ET). You can watch it live in the video player above or wherever you stream LiveNOW from FOX.
Charlie Kirk Funeral Latest
A memorial banner for conservative activist Charlie Kirk outside of State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Photographer: Rebecca Noble/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Big picture view: Doors at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona open at 8 a.m. PT for the funeral. Thousands are expected to attend, and members of the public began lining up outside State Farm Stadium before dawn to secure a spot. The service began at 11 a.m. PT, with a handful of high-profile speakers including President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance.
Latest Developments
Here are the latest developments:
Hillsdale College Announces Honorary Degrees for Charlie and Erika Kirk
12:30 p.m. PT- Hillsdale College President Dr. Larry Arnn announced the establishment of a scholarship for Charlie Kirk’s young children. Kirk, who completed dozens of online courses at the small Christian liberal arts college in Michigan, will also receive an honorary degree alongside his wife, Erika.
RELATED: Hillsdale College announces honorary degree for Charlie Kirk
At 18, Kirk dropped out of community college to co-found Turning Point USA. By his mid-20s, he became the youngest speaker at the Republican National Convention in 2016 and a household name in conservative circles. By 31, he commanded a $95 million political empire, galvanized millions of followers online and established a direct line to President Donald Trump.
President Trump Arrives in Arizona for Charlie Kirk’s Funeral
11:42 a.m. PT- President Donald Trump landed at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona at 11:42 AM local time aboard Air Force One. He is expected to head directly to the stadium where thousands of mourners are gathered for the funeral of Charlie Kirk.
Christian Singer Chris Tomlin Performs
11:10 a.m. PT- American contemporary Christian music singer, songwriter, and worship leader Chris Tomlin performs songs including "Holy Forever" and "How Great is our God."
Service Begins
11:06 a.m. P.T. – Around 70,000 people are at capacity inside State Farm Stadium as the memorial service begins with a bagpipe rendition of Amazing Grace. Attendees listened to other live music performances from various Christian artists as they waited for the service to start.
Doors Open at State Farm Stadium
8 a.m. P.T. – Doors have opened at State Farm Stadium and we’re getting the first look at the stage set-up for the memorial service.
Doors opened and seats began to fill Sunday at State Farm Stadium ahead of Charlie Kirk’s memorial service. (Image: Turning Point USA via LiveNOW from FOX broadcast)
The stage is being set up ahead of the beginning of Charlie Kirk’s memorial service at State Farm Stadium. (Image: Turning Point USA via LiveNOW from FOX broadcast)
A sea of red, white, and blue has begun to fill the seats inside State Farm Stadium. (Image: Turning Point USA via LiveNOW from FOX broadcast)
Trump Departs for Arizona
President Donald Trump talked to reporters before departing for Charlie Kirk’s service. Trump told reporters: "We’re going to celebrate the life of a great man today… We want to look at it as a time of healing."
7:07 a.m. P.T. – President Donald Trump boarded Air Force One ahead of Charlie Kirk’s funeral on Sunday. He spoke briefly with reporters before departing, saying today would be a "very interesting" and "tough" day. When asked what he wanted to tell Erika and the rest of Charlie Kirk’s family, Trump said, "Well, I’m just going to give them my love. There’s not much you can say; you talk about the great things he’s done. I mean, he’s been amazing. He’s had a tremendous influence for a young man, did a great job. A tremendous job, and he had a hold on youth because they loved him, they respected him. And, you know, 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. This country is doing so well; we’re the hottest country anywhere in the world now."
More Stadium Details
6 a.m. P.T. – Turning Point USA says guests arriving with bags will not be permitted entry, even if the bags are clear. You will be required to return the bag to your car and rejoin the line from the end. Indoor overflow will be available next door at the Desert Diamond Arena.
Conclusion
The funeral service for Charlie Kirk is a significant event that brings together thousands of people to celebrate his life and legacy. With high-profile speakers, including President Donald Trump, and a range of performances, the service is a testament to the impact that Charlie Kirk had on the world.
FAQs
Q: When and where is Charlie Kirk’s funeral service taking place?
A: The funeral service is taking place on Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
Q: Who is speaking at the funeral service?
A: High-profile speakers include President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance.
Q: Can I watch the funeral service live?
A: Yes, LiveNOW from FOX will stream the entire service, and coverage begins at 9 a.m. PT (12 p.m. ET).
Q: What are the arrangements for guests attending the funeral service?
A: Guests arriving with bags will not be permitted entry, and indoor overflow will be available next door at the Desert Diamond Arena.