President Donald Trump has described his last conversation with conservative activist Charlie Kirk, offering an emotional tribute before attending Kirk’s upcoming memorial in Arizona. Kirk, 31, was shot dead on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University during the first stop of his “American Comeback Tour.”
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the suspected shooter, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson of Utah, acted alone and fired a bolt-action rifle from a nearby rooftop. The attack shocked supporters across the country and prompted a nationwide manhunt before Robinson’s arrest.
Trump Recalls a Final Call
Speaking to reporters, Trump said Kirk often called to urge him to join Turning Point USA events. “So the last time I spoke to him, he said, ‘Sir,’ then he goes ‘Phoenix,’” Trump recalled. “Sir, could you, er, get to Phoenix? This was like in a day. I said, ‘Charlie, I’m the President of the United States, you’ve called me asking me if I could speak tomorrow in Phoenix? You can’t do that to me, Charlie.’ But I usually ended up going.”
Trump described Kirk as “a patriot” and “a martyr for truth and freedom,” adding, “He was great. He was a great guy and he didn’t deserve this. He didn’t deserve this, believe me.”
Nation Prepares for Memorial
Kirk’s body was flown back to Phoenix aboard an Air Force Two jet ahead of a public memorial service scheduled for Sunday, September 21, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The stadium, which seats more than 60,000, is expected to host thousands of mourners, including President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and several government officials. Trump confirmed he will travel on Air Force One early Sunday morning with members of his administration to attend the service.
The president has also pledged to award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously, calling the late activist “a giant of his generation.” Vice President Vance and his wife Usha joined Kirk’s widow, Erika, on the flight returning his casket to Arizona.
A Movement in Mourning
Kirk’s organization, Turning Point USA, has continued to receive a surge of support since his death. His followers and colleagues say they plan to honor his mission of engaging young conservatives and expanding the movement he built. As the nation watches, Sunday’s memorial is expected to highlight not only the tragedy of Kirk’s assassination but also the lasting influence of his work.
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