Charlie Kirk funeral details: Private Arizona service on September 22 at Scottsdale Bible Church, public memorial with Trump eulogy on September 23 at Phoenix Footprint Center—attendees, tributes, and legacy amid national mourning.
As the nation continues to reel from the shocking assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on September 11, 2025, at Utah Valley University, details of his funeral arrangements have been released by his family and Turning Point USA (TPUSA).
The 31-year-old founder of the influential youth conservative organization will be laid to rest in a private ceremony on Monday, September 22, 2025, at Scottsdale Bible Church in Scottsdale, Arizona – his adopted hometown where he resided with his wife and young children.
A larger public memorial service is scheduled for the following day, September 23, at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, expected to draw thousands of supporters, dignitaries, and fellow conservatives in a celebration of his life and legacy.
The events come amid an ongoing FBI investigation into the sniper attack, with President Donald Trump vowing to attend and deliver a eulogy, underscoring Kirk’s pivotal role in the MAGA movement.The funeral plans reflect Kirk’s deep ties to Arizona, where TPUSA is headquartered, and his Midwestern roots in the Chicago suburbs.
Organizers have emphasized a blend of solemnity and patriotism, with themes drawn from Kirk’s Christian faith and unyielding advocacy for conservative values. Security will be heightened, given the political sensitivities surrounding his death, and live streams are planned for those unable to attend in person.
Charlie Kirk’s Life and Legacy: From Suburban Roots to Conservative Powerhouse
Charlie Kirk’s journey from a politically engaged teenager in the Chicago suburbs to a national conservative icon was marked by relentless ambition and controversy. Born on October 14, 1993, in Arlington Heights, Illinois, and raised in nearby Prospect Heights, Kirk grew up in a middle-class family with a mental health counselor mother and architect father.
He attended Wheeling High School and briefly Harper College before founding TPUSA in 2012 at age 18, transforming it into a multimillion-dollar operation that mobilized young Republicans on campuses nationwide.
Kirk’s alliance with Donald Trump catapulted him to prominence; he spoke at the 2016 Republican National Convention and became a key surrogate in subsequent elections.
His podcast, “The Charlie Kirk Show,” reached millions, while TPUSA’s annual summits featured heavyweights like Trump, Ben Shapiro, and Tucker Carlson. Kirk’s rhetoric often sparked debate – from election denialism to critiques of “woke” culture – but his impact on youth conservatism was undeniable.
At the time of his death, Kirk lived in Scottsdale, Arizona, with his wife Erika Frantzve Kirk and their two children: a daughter born in 2022 and a son in May 2024. His family, described as his “anchor,” has been at the center of the mourning process.
Funeral Location: Scottsdale Bible Church – A Fitting Tribute in His Arizona Home
The private funeral service will take place at Scottsdale Bible Church, a megachurch in Scottsdale where Kirk and his family were active members. The choice reflects Kirk’s evangelical Christian faith, which he often wove into his activism, and his deep connection to Arizona – the state where TPUSA flourished since its Phoenix-area inception.
The church, known for its conservative leanings and community outreach, can accommodate several hundred for the intimate gathering, limited to immediate family, close friends, and select TPUSA staff.
Scottsdale’s significance extends beyond residency; it’s where Kirk built his life post-Illinois, marrying Erika in 2021 at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess and establishing roots amid the desert landscape. While some speculated a return to his Prospect Heights hometown for burial, family sources confirmed Arizona as the final resting place, with interment at a private cemetery following the service. The decision honors Kirk’s adopted state, where he lamented local sports losses on his podcast just days before his death.
Timeline and Format: A Two-Day Affair Balancing Privacy and Public Tribute
The funeral proceedings are structured over two days to allow for both personal grief and communal remembrance. On September 22, the private service at Scottsdale Bible Church begins at 10 a.m. MST, featuring scripture readings, hymns, and personal eulogies from family members. Erika Kirk, in a statement released via TPUSA, described it as a “time for quiet reflection on Charlie’s faith and fatherhood.” The ceremony will last approximately two hours, followed by a graveside committal for invitees only.
The following day, September 23, shifts to a public memorial at Phoenix’s Footprint Center – home to the NBA’s Phoenix Suns and a venue capable of seating over 18,000. Starting at 1 p.m. MST, the event will include speeches, video tributes, and musical performances, streamed live on TPUSA’s platforms and Fox News. Organizers have incorporated elements of Kirk’s style: patriotic anthems, youth testimonials, and calls to action for conservative causes. Attendees are encouraged to wear red, white, and blue, with free admission on a first-come basis, though VIP sections are reserved for dignitaries.
Both events will adhere to strict security protocols, coordinated by the Secret Service and local law enforcement, given threats following the assassination. Masks and COVID protocols are optional, aligning with Kirk’s views on personal freedoms.
Expected Attendees: A Who’s Who of Conservatism and Personal Circle
The guest list for Kirk’s funeral reads like a roster of the American right, blending political heavyweights with personal confidants. President Donald Trump, a longtime ally who credited Kirk with energizing young voters, has confirmed attendance at both services, planning to speak at the memorial about Kirk’s “unmatched patriotism“.
Joining him are TPUSA co-founder Candace Owens, who will deliver a eulogy, and Ben Shapiro, host of “The Daily Wire,” expected to reflect on their shared podcast battles against liberal ideologies.
Other notable figures include Tucker Carlson, who praised Kirk as a “fearless warrior” on his show; Elon Musk, a recent conservative ally; and GOP senators like J.D. Vance and Ted Cruz. Hollywood conservatives Chris Pratt and Jon Voight have sent condolences and may attend the public event. Kirk’s family – wife Erika, their two children (kept out of the spotlight), parents from Illinois, and siblings – will anchor the private service, with Erika potentially sharing a heartfelt message.
TPUSA staff and campus chapter leaders will represent the youth movement Kirk championed, while international supporters from groups like the U.K.’s Turning Point may join virtually. Absent, predictably, are liberal critics, though some like MSNBC’s Joy Reid have offered measured condolences amid backlash.
Reactions and Broader Impact: Grief, Tributes, and Political Ramifications
Tributes have poured in since the announcement. On X, #CharlieKirkFuneral trended, with users sharing memories: “He inspired a generation – rest in power,” posted one fan. Erika Kirk’s Instagram update, featuring a family photo, garnered millions of likes, emphasizing faith amid sorrow.
Politically, the funeral could galvanize conservatives ahead of midterms, with speakers likely addressing “assassination culture” Kirk warned about. Critics, however, point to his divisive rhetoric as a factor in national polarization. Memorial funds have raised over $5 million for TPUSA scholarships, ensuring his legacy endures.
As Scottsdale prepares for the influx, Kirk’s funeral stands as a poignant endpoint to a life of bold activism, uniting mourners in reflection and resolve.
