Over 200,000 Attend Charlie Kirk Memorial

State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona seats up to 73,000. That was filled to capacity. The Desert Diamond Arena seats some 17,000. That, too, was filled to capacity. Many attendees could not make it inside either of the two facilities. New York Post: Some 200,000 people turned out to honor Charlie Kirk on Sunday, including President Trump, who called the slain Turning Point USA founder “a patriot whose heart still had so much to give” (New York Post). Online, estimates vary, but Election Wizard reported over 3 million viewing through the various live streams (X). Full stream: YouTube.

Erika Kirk Forgives Assassin Who Took Her Husband’s Life

In words that are equal parts remarkable and profoundly challenging. Erika: My husband Charlie, he wanted to save young men, just like the one who took his life. That young man, that young man on the cross, our Savior said, “Father, forgive them for they not know what they do.” That man, that young man. I forgive him. I forgive him because it was what Christ did and is what Charlie would do The answer to hate is not hate. The answer we know from the gospel is love. And always love. Love for our enemies, and love for those who persecute us (X). Also: In a striking moment of conviction and faith, Erika Kirk told The New York Times this morning that she will not personally seek the death penalty for Tyler Robinson, the man accused of assassinating her husband, Charlie Kirk. Instead, she says the decision should be left to the government. “I do not want that man’s blood on my ledger,” Erika said. “I’m a strong believer that this was God’s plan… And it’s so clear-cut. It couldn’t be more, Charlie.” … Her reasoning wasn’t political—it was spiritual. Erika cited her Christian faith and eternal perspective as her guide. “Because when I get to heaven, and Jesus is like: ‘An eye for an eye? Is that how we do it?’ And that keeps me from being in heaven, from being with Charlie?” (Townhall). More at: (RedState).

Kirk Memorial Suffused in Christian Message

Charlie was a Christian. He’d say it bluntly—things like: “I wear my Christian faith on my shirtsleeve.” So, it’s no surprise that Christian truth claims would be prevalent at the memorial. What is—absolutely—notable is that among those giving the most bold Christian witness at his memorial were from the nation’s Vice President, the Secretary of State and our Secretary of War/Secretary of Defense. Vance: I was telling somebody backstage that I always felt a little uncomfortable talking about my faith in public as much as I loved the Lord and as much as it was an important part of my life, I have talked more about Jesus Christ in the past two weeks than I have my entire time in public life. And that is an undeniable legacy of the great Charlie Kirk. He loved God and because he loved God, he wanted to understand God’s creation and the men and women made in his image…. It is better to be persecuted for your faith than to deny the kingship of Christ. It is better to die a young man in this world than to sell your soul for an easy life with no purpose, no risk, no love and no truth. Christ told us in the gospel of John, I have said these things to you that in me, you may have peace in the world, you’ll have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world. Charlie took heart and now we must do the same. I’ve seen so many of you say so many on social media. Talk about for Charlie. We must do this for Charlie. For Charlie. We will speak the truth every single day (X). Secretary of State Rubio: And so God took on the form of a man and came down and lived among us. And he suffered like men and he died like a man. But on the third day, he rose, unlike any mortal man, and to prove any doubters wrong, he ate with his disciples so they could see and they touched his wounds. He didn’t rise as a ghost or as a spirit, but his flesh. And then he rose to the heaven, but He promised He would return. And He will (X). Defense Secretary/Secretary of War Pete Hegseth: [Charlie] was a true believer. Only Christ is king, our Lord and Savior. Our sins are washed away by the blood of Jesus. Fear God and fear no man. But over time he realized—like so many of us have—that this is not a political war. It’s not even a cultural war. It’s a spiritual war. Faith and family first. “There is a God, and”—as Charlie would say—“It is not us. We’re sinners saved only by grace in need of the gospel. You see, we always did need less government, but what Charlie understood and infused into his movement is we also needed a lot more God. Charlie had big plans, but God had even bigger plans…. Charlie started a political movement but unleashed a spiritual revival. My pastor texted me the day after that horrific event and said, “Pete, the devil overplayed his hand.” Charlie started with liberty, but ended up lighting our country on fire for Christ (X).

Chinese CCP Sewing Disinformation in Wake of Kirk Assassination

Erik Durneika for RedState: China has engaged in cognitive warfare for some time now, a component of the CCP’s unrestricted warfare strategy. The objective of China’s cognitive warfare is to shape public opinion and behavior in Beijing’s favor, turning the citizens of an adversary against their own government and one another in order to distract and weaken society by sowing internal strife. Cognitive warfare, in other words, aims to manipulate individuals using disinformation campaigns and psychological/influence operations. Examples include CCP-run accounts propagating misleading information early on in the investigation, in an effort to cause confusion and anger, even going as far as to disparage FBI Director Kash Patel. Zhao DaShuai is a member of the People’s Armed Police Propaganda Bureau. Some posts promoted anti-Israel conspiracy theories instead of recognizing this murder for what it was. Known wumaos used this tragedy to boast about the supposed superiority of Chinese society while portraying America as inferior and violent, and condemning “right-wing extremists”—typical Marxist talking points (RedState).

58 House Democrats Refuse to Support Resolution Condemning Political Violence

NBC: In a vote that divided Democrats, the House on Friday passed a resolution honoring slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk and rejecting the political violence of recent years. The vote was 310-58, with 95 Democrats joining all 215 Republicans in voting yes on the nonbinding resolution. The 58 no votes all came from Democrats — mostly members of the Congressional Black and Hispanic caucuses—and another 38 Democrats voted present. Another 22 Democrats did not vote (NBC). Missouri Sen. Eric Schmitt: Let this sink in. All of it. … the majority of Democrats refused to condemn a political assassination. Left-wing extremism is not just a “fringe.” It now controls a significant part of the mainstream Democratic Party…. We get wall-to-wall media coverage. Protests. Calls to expel every conservative voice in politics. The left-wing NGOs use it as an opportunity to sow even more chaos. Today, the legacy media is silent or worse—blaming the man who was assassinated for his opinions and beliefs. That’s how this always works. An important question remains for Democrats who cater to the Left: Who can bring them back? Clearly, none of their current leaders—all of whom are either sympathetic to the radicals, or too scared of them to do anything. As it stands today, there is zero appetite inside the mainstream Democratic Party to pull themselves back from the brink (Schmitt).

UK Prime Minister Takes Lead in Appeasing Hamas With Recognition of Palestinian “State”

Moral cowardice from one of the leaders of the Western world. Starmer: Today, to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, and a two state solution, the United Kingdom formally recognises the State of Palestine (Starmer). Mark Dubowitz of the Foundation for Defense of Democracy: Unpopular Western leaders are appeasing Islamists by rushing to recognize a Palestinian terror state. It won’t help Gazans under Hamas’s tyranny nor the Israeli hostages languishing in Hamas’s tunnels — but it will convince Hamas that terror works and that the West will keep rewarding it (FDD). Israel Hayom: Even though this step is infuriating and wrong, it is primarily an insult to Israel rather than a measure with real practical impact. One hundred forty-six countries recognized a “Palestinian state” decades ago. Palestinian “embassies” have existed in Western capitals for many years. None of that has changed anything. Israel must therefore respond rationally, not emotionally (Israel Hayom).

Mike Waltz Confirmed as US Ambassador to the UN

Eight months late, but former Florida Representative and the President’s National Security Advisor for 101 days will represent the nation well in an increasingly anti-American, anti-Israeli and antisemitic global body. Fox News: The Senate confirmed the last member of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet on Friday after months of delay from Senate Democrats. Lawmakers confirmed Mike Waltz to be Trump’s ambassador to the United Nations on a bipartisan 47-45 vote. Sens. John Fetterman, D-Pa., Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., and Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., crossed the aisle to confirm him. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., was the lone Republican to vote against his confirmation. He also voted against Waltz’s advancing out of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee…. Waltz, a retired Army National Guard colonel and former Green Beret, previously served as a House Republican from Florida before being tapped to serve as Trump’s national security advisor (Fox News). Waltz: THANK YOU President Trump & the U.S. Senate for your trust and confidence to Make the UN Great Again (Waltz).

Newsom Signs Legislation Barring Masks for ICE Agents Over Whom He Has No Control

ABC News reports: California became the first state to ban most law enforcement officers, including federal immigration agents, from covering their faces while conducting official business under a bill that was signed Saturday by Gov. Gavin Newsom and swiftly denounced by Trump administration officials. The ban is a direct response to recent immigration raids in Los Angeles, where federal agents wore masks while making mass arrests. The raids prompted days of protest and led President Donald Trump to deploy National Guard troops and Marines to the area (ABC). California Rep. Kevin Kiley (R): The Governor who forced two-year-olds to wear masks all day and even promoted “double-masking” just signed a law forbidding federal officers from covering their faces to protect themselves and their families. Newsom’s law, of course, is blatantly unconstitutional (Kiley).

Trump, Musk Shake Hands at Kirk Memorial

It seems premature to declare it a reconciliation, but it was encouraging—given the enormous influence of both men. New York Post: President Trump and tech tycoon Elon Musk were spotted sitting together and even shaking hands at the funeral service for conservative activist Charlie Kirk — marking their first public interaction since their bitter fallout earlier this year. Musk, 54, was first seen alone in the stands at State Farm Stadium, where some 78,000 mourners gathered to honor the slain Turning Point USA Founder. Footage posted later to social media showed Trump and Musk seated beside each other in the audience and talking as attendees clapped around them. Trump extended his hand out to Musk, and the two exchanged a brief but earnest handshake before the tech billionaire stood up and walked away from the president (New York Post).

Charlie Kirk’s Influence

Kevin McCullough reflects on what lies ahead: This day is not the end of Charlie Kirk’s influence. Far from it. Today marks the passing of a torch. It is now our duty—yours and mine—to take the considerable truths Charlie modeled and maximize them in our own lives. We must continue to fight for truth. We must continue to extend our hands in discourse. We must continue to proclaim the gospel with clarity and conviction. We must continue to love the next generation enough to tell them the truth—even when it costs us. So thank you, Charlie. Nothing you accomplished has been in vain. Today we will weep, but today we will also celebrate. We will celebrate a life lived with courage, conviction, and compassion. And we will commit ourselves to carrying forward the mission you so clearly demonstrated. Today is historic. Today is remembrance. Today is celebration. And if God is gracious, today may yet be revival (Townhall).