How to watch Charlie Kirk’s funeral

(NewsNation) — NewsNation will provide special coverage of conservative activist Charlie Kirk‘s funeral Sunday, with host Leland Vittert beginning coverage at 1 p.m. ET ahead of the 2 p.m. service at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

The public memorial for Kirk, who was fatally shot Sept. 10 at Utah Valley University, will draw President Donald Trump and other high-profile officials to the 63,000-seat venue, prompting security measures comparable to those used during Super Bowl LVII.

Who will speak at Charlie Kirk’s funeral?

Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance are scheduled to deliver remarks alongside Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, who was unanimously elected as the new CEO and board chair of Turning Point USA following her husband’s death. 

Other expected attendees include White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. Donald Trump Jr., Tucker Carlson and Stephen Miller are also among the scheduled speakers.

“This service will be a unifying event focused on prayer, mourning, and celebrating the life, legacy, and memory of Charlie Kirk — a national treasure whose life was cut far too short,” Arizona state Sen. Jack Hoffman, a Republican, said in a press release.

Kirk will be laid to rest in the Phoenix suburb as that is the headquarters of his life’s work.

Super Bowl-level security planned for Charlie Kirk’s funeral

The Glendale Police Department is deploying several hundred additional officers, drone operators, and a high-tech real-time crime center to monitor the stadium perimeter. Local and state law enforcement are working alongside the U.S. Secret Service for the event.

The venue will open doors at 8 a.m. for the 11 a.m. program, with free parking available. Officials are enforcing a strict no-bag policy and encouraging attendees to carpool. Indoor overflow will be available at the nearby Desert Diamond Arena.

Charlie Kirk memorials held nationwide

Vigils and memorials have been held across the country, including at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., where mourners lined up around the building. Kirk was also memorialized at Dream City Church in Phoenix, where he previously hosted “Freedom Night in America” gatherings.

A makeshift memorial at Utah Valley University’s main entrance features flowers, U.S. flags, and handwritten messages. The school has announced increased security when classes resume.

What happened to Charlie Kirk?

Kirk, 31, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot in the neck while speaking at a campus courtyard event at Utah Valley University. Videos of the shooting quickly spread across social media, including reactions to the assassination. 

The conservative activist was widely credited with energizing young Republican voters and playing a key role in Trump’s 2024 presidential victory.

Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested two days after the shooting and remains in county jail without bail. Prosecutors have charged Robinson with seven separate counts and confirmed they will seek the death penalty.

Kirk was an evangelical Christian with extensive knowledge of the Bible, which he often quoted during his talks and debates. He was outspoken about his criticism of DEI programs, opposition to abortion, calling it murder, and defined marriage as one woman and one man.

Charlie Kirk’s killing affected officials in the White House

The shooting deeply affected the Trump administration, with the president announcing Kirk’s death and Vance transporting Kirk’s casket on Air Force Two from Utah to Arizona.

“Charlie was very much a part of this family, and maybe the highest profile MAGA person outside of those that are working here,” White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles said. “So, I think it shook everybody to their core.”

Vance also hosted an episode of “The Charlie Kirk Show,” filling in for the host from his ceremonial office in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building next to the White House. 

Trump announced plans to posthumously honor Kirk with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Political, social media discourse starts free speech debate after Charlie Kirk’s assassination

Kirk’s assassination prompted widespread calls for civility in political discourse while simultaneously triggering a wave of firings and disciplinary actions across the country.

MSNBC analyst Matthew Dowd and Washington Post columnist Karen Attiah both lost their jobs over comments following Kirk’s death. Teachers, firefighters and other public employees have also faced termination or suspension for social media posts about the shooting.

In Texas, more than 180 complaints have been filed against teachers and staff over social media posts. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced that over 100 educators would have their teaching certifications suspended for posts that “called for or incite violence.”

ABC pulled “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” from the air indefinitely after the host’s comments about the assassination. Florida education officials also warned teachers that “disgusting” statements about Kirk’s death could result in license suspensions or revocations.

At Texas State University, a student who mocked Kirk’s death in a viral video was expelled after Abbott called for consequences. Similar disciplinary actions have been reported at universities from California to Florida.

Erika Kirk to lead Turning Point USA after husband’s death, board announces

Turning Point USA has experienced a surge in membership following Kirk’s death, receiving more than 54,000 requests from high school and college students nationwide wanting to start or join chapters in just six days.

Erika Kirk, who received an indefinite protective order for her family, has vowed to continue her husband’s campus tours and media programs.

“To everyone listening tonight across America, the movement my husband built will not die,” she said in a livestreamed video. “It won’t. I refuse to let that happen.”