Turning Point USA has scheduled a public memorial for founder Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Sunday, Sept. 21, and President Donald Trump said he will attend the service.
Kirk, 31, was fatally shot while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday. Authorities said a single bullet struck him in the neck. Turning Point USA invited supporters on social media to "celebrate the remarkable life and enduring legacy" of the conservative activist. State Farm Stadium has a fixed seating capacity of about 63,400 that can be expanded for larger events.
Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested after what authorities described as a 33-hour manhunt. He was turned over to officials in Utah by his father and a minister in southern Utah and faces charges including aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily harm, and obstruction of justice, according to law enforcement statements.
Officials said Robinson had written messages on bullets that referred to internet culture and anti-fascist sentiments before the shooting. Gov. Spencer Cox of Utah said Robinson had discussed Kirk's visit to UVU with family members and repeatedly criticized Kirk's viewpoints, saying Robinson described Kirk as "full of hate and spreading hate." FBI Director Kash Patel called the capture "historic," praising the bureau's role in ending the manhunt.
Kirk had founded Turning Point USA and built a national profile as a conservative activist and commentator. Following his death, his wife, Erika Kirk, posted images from a private viewing, weeping beside his casket, and delivered a public address in which she pledged to continue her husband's political work. Standing in Kirk's studio beside the empty chair he once used, she said, "Charlie, I promise I will never let your legacy die, baby. I promise I'll make Turning Point USA the biggest thing that this nation has ever seen."
President Trump, who addressed the nation in the immediate aftermath of the shooting, said he would attend the memorial. He has called for the suspect to receive the death penalty and described Kirk as "the finest person." Local and federal authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the shooting as criminal proceedings move forward.
Robinson, who authorities say lived in Washington, Utah, is reported to come from a family whose social media accounts show travel and college celebrations. Officials disclosed little about a possible motive beyond comments attributed to Robinson in conversations with family members and the messages found on the ammunition. The suspect's arrest came after investigators released a photo of a person of interest and sought public assistance, leading to his surrender.
Turning Point USA's announcement did not disclose the format of the event beyond the invitation for supporters to pay respects at the stadium. The organization has been a prominent presence on college campuses and in conservative politics; Kirk's death has prompted statements from political allies and opponents alike, and the case has drawn national attention as authorities work to assemble the investigative record.
Courts and prosecutors have not set a trial date. Law enforcement agencies involved in the case said they will provide further updates as charges proceed and the investigation continues.