Donald Trump Attends Charlie Kirk’s Funeral in Arizona 11 Days After Assassination

President Donald Trump paid tribute to Charlie Kirk during the conservative leader’s funeral on Sunday, Sept. 21, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Trump was joined by his sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump.

The president arrived on Air Force One and was later seen inside the stadium with Eric, 41, as they looked out over the audience.

Kirk, 31, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot on Sept. 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, during the first stop of his American Comeback Tour.

A Turning Point USA spokesperson confirmed his death in a statement to PEOPLE, asking for prayers for Kirk’s family and loved ones.

President Trump expressed his grief on Truth Social that afternoon, writing:

“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us.”

The president later told reporters that he felt “an obligation” to attend the funeral, according to CNN.

During an interview with Fox News, Trump called Kirk “a great gentleman” who should still be out inspiring people. He praised Kirk’s influence on young voters, saying:

“I won, I got so many young voters that no Republican’s ever gotten anything close. I dominated with young people. And it’s never happened before. And I give him so much credit.”

While visiting the Pentagon for a 9/11 memorial ceremony, Trump also announced plans to award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom at a future date.

On Sept. 11, Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance joined Erika Kirk, Charlie’s wife, as they flew with his casket back to Arizona on Air Force Two.

Vance honored Kirk in a post on X, calling him “a true friend” and crediting him with helping organize and staff the Trump administration after the 2024 election.

Kirk first rose to prominence when he co-founded Turning Point USA at 18, promoting conservative values on high school and college campuses. His radio program, The Charlie Kirk Show, and his close alliance with Trump further elevated his national profile. In 2020, Trump appointed him to a commission promoting “patriotic education.”

The manhunt for Kirk’s killer ended on Sept. 12, when Utah Gov. Spencer Cox announced that authorities had arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson. Cox said Robinson confessed or implied responsibility while speaking to a family member.

Although some speculated the assassination was politically motivated, voter records released the same day showed Robinson had not voted in the past two presidential elections and was registered as an unaffiliated voter.