Glendale, Arizona (AP) – President Donald Trump And a prominent member of his “Make America Great Again” movement pays tribute to conservative activists on Sunday. Charlie Kirkwhose Killing I’ve marked it Signal moment With an American political atmosphere.
Kirk’s urgent service, which he believes Trump played a pivotal role in his 2024 election victory, is expected to attract tens of thousands of mourners, including Vice President JD Vance, senior White House officials and young conservatives shaped by 31-year-old firefighters.
Kirk’s assassination, who appeared on the University of Utah campus, departed on September 10th. A fierce debate about violenceand the quality and Free speech In an era of deep political sector. The shooting also sparked fear among some Americans that Trump was trying to use his anger over the murder as justification It suppresses the voice His Critics and political enemies.
The service is carried out at State Farm Stadiumhome to the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals west of Phoenix, and is based by Kirk’s Turning Point organization. Security is expected to be tough with the presence of federal law enforcement at a similar level to the Super Bowl and other prominent events.
Comments about Kirk have been targeted by the Trump administration
I have Trump He criticized the “radical left” He threatened to chase Kirk’s death and liberal organizations and donors, or others whom he feels is misusing or celebrating Kirk’s death.
He criticized House Democrats who voted against the house Resolution praised Kirk’s “Life and Heritage” passed through a Republican-controlled home on Friday.
“Who can vote against it? All (Republicans) were saying, ‘Criticize human assassination,'” Trump told reporters. “And (Democrat) said, ‘No, no, we’re not going to do that.” ”
Dozens of people already have it, from journalists to teachers Losing their jobs They consider them to be offensive or congratulatory, as well as prominent conservative activists and administrative authorities target comments about Kirk. The retaliation sparked debate over the First Amendment as the Trump administration has pledged retaliation for what is considered a light parody statement after Kirk’s death.
ABC pulled Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show It will air indefinitely following backlash from related broadcasters and Trump-appointed directors of the Federal Communications Commission over the comedian’s remarks about Kirk.
The State Department has also warned that it will cancel the visa for foreigners who celebrated Kirk’s assassination.
22-year-old Utah man, Tyler Robinson,that’s right He was charged with killing Kirk And if you are convicted of the most serious charges, you will face the death penalty. Authorities have not revealed a clear motive for the shooting, but prosecutors say Robinson wrote in text to his partner following the shooting that he “had enough” Kirk’s hatred.
Kirk’s legacy of conservative political influence
Turning Point, a group founded by Kirk It became a multi-million dollar operation with enormous reach under his leadership to mobilize young Christian conservatives.
The tens of thousands expected to fill Glendale stadiums for Kirk’s monument are evidence of the great influence he has accumulated on conservative America.
Kirk was a provocative and sometimes made statements called racist, misogynistic, anti-immigrant, and transphobic. It is drawn Repulsion from conservatives Who sees criticism as cherry picking several moments of choice to scorn the legacy of inspirational conservative leaders.
Kirk is a celebrity in the Maga, with a loyal following, and it turns out to support or argue him when he traveled the country for such an event Utah Valley University, Where he was fatally shot. Kirk grew the organization primarily through his character and the power of the debate.
Arizona is the state of Kirk, where he grew up outside of Chicago and founded Turning Point before moving the organization to Phoenix. Vance, who said Kirk’s defense was a big reason why Trump chose him to serve as vice president, transported Kirk’s cas from Utah to Arizona I’m riding in Air Force 2 The day after his death, he later served as a guest host for Kirk’s podcast.
Scheduled speakers for the service include Trump, Vance, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Defense Pete Hegses, and Director of National Intelligence, Tarcigabad. Donald Trump Jr., right-wing commentator Tucker Carlson and White House aides Stephen Miller and Sergio Goh will also speak.
Longtime worship leader Chris Tomlin offers music alongside other big names in contemporary Christian music, including Brandon Lake, Phil Wickham, couple duo Kari Job Kerns and Cody Kerns.
Kirk’s widow, who has been appointed as the new leader of Turning Point, also speaks. In her emotional post-death speech, Erica Kirk pledged that “the movements my husband has made will not die.”
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The tick reported from Washington. Washington Associated Press Writer Tiffany Stanley contributed to the report.
