Emotional Tribute to Charlie Kirk at Memorial Service
During a heartfelt memorial service on Sunday, Christian author Frank Turek honored Turning Point USA’s founder, Charlie Kirk. Turek reflected on Kirk’s last moments and his unwavering faith, addressing a crowd of tens of thousands at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
Turek shared that he was just 25 feet away from Kirk when the tragic shooting occurred on September 10th at Utah Valley University in Orem. “When that shot rang out, I stepped forward, but his security team reacted immediately,” Turek recounted. “Charlie was like a son to me; I rushed toward them, and we all ran to the SUV.”
Inside the vehicle, Turek explained how the security team scrambled to provide first aid, but he later learned Kirk had died instantly. He reassured the crowd that Kirk didn’t suffer pain in his final moments, a small comfort amid the tragedy.
“We did everything possible to save Charlie, but he was already gone,” Turek said. “His eyes met mine, yet he seemed to gaze beyond me, and it was a relief to learn he felt no pain.”
Reflecting on his personal relationship with Kirk, Turek mentioned how, five years earlier, he had asked Kirk to help him understand Christian evidence better. “It’s tough to coach someone smarter than you, but Charlie’s humility was remarkable,” he noted, emphasizing that Kirk’s brilliance was eclipsed only by his character.
Turek declared that Kirk was in heaven, not because of his accolades or political power, but something far deeper. “Charlie is up there, not for being a great husband or a father, or for saving children from despair on campus. His spirit lives on through his sacrifices and commitment to his faith.”
The memorial also highlighted the strength of Erica Kirk, Charlie’s wife, who he married in 2021. Turek referred to her as a “force of nature,” inspiring admiration. “Erica wakes up every morning, and I can just imagine the devil thinking, ‘Oh no, she’s back!’ Let’s celebrate Charlie and Erica, and let’s give thanks,” he concluded.
